Buyer

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Buyer.

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. This position is located in our San Diego Aircraft facility (Otay Mesa) and reports to the Product Director.

Position Summary:

Lead procurement efforts for outside processing services and critical shop supplies. This role supports our production and engineering teams by ensuring timely, cost-effective sourcing and delivery of services such as chemical processing, NDT, and machining. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of aerospace procurement practices, strong supplier relationship skills, and a keen ability to balance quality, cost, and lead time in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions:

• Manage supplier activities for outside processing services including chemical processing, non-destructive testing (NDT), heat treat, coatings, sheet metal forming, machined parts, tooling, and general shop supplies.
• Place and manage purchase orders/contracts aligned with internal production schedules and program needs.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Program Management teams to coordinate processing activities and resolve delays or constraints.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers, negotiate contracts, and maintain adherence to the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and competitive pricing to inform procurement strategy and optimize cost.
• Evaluate and ensure quality, price competitiveness, and lead time compliance of all procured goods and services.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels, minimize waste, and ensure materials are available to support production.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, foster collaboration, and resolve any issues or disputes.
• Ensure purchases comply with budgetary guidelines and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide regular reporting on procurement activities, supplier performance, and market intelligence to management.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in aerospace procurement, with a strong understanding of outside processing and materials management.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP or NetSuite required).
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, specifications, and aerospace materials requirements.
• Familiarity with Boeing specifications, AS9100 Rev D Quality Management Systems, and NADCAP standards is highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Perks and Benefits:

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
• Annual Bonus
• 401K - 5% match
  
• Employee Stocks Option Program
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays
  
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement

Compensation:

The pay range for this position falls within $80,000 to $95,000. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us? Rock West Composites cares about our employees! Not only do we offer great benefits to our full-time employees (Medical & Dental 100% employer paid, Vision, Paid Time Off and 401K match), we offer a fun and friendly working environment!

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Rock West Composites holds employees safety as a high standard and strictly enforces a No Drug and Alcohol Policy and pre-employment and random drug testing

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.