Annapolis, MD (On-site)
Annapolis Micro Systems is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Technical Buyer to join our growing team during an exciting time in our company's evolution. Recognized as a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun for three consecutive years, we are proud of our strong employee culture and consistently high engagement scores that outperform industry benchmarks.
Technical Buyers are individuals who are responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers of custom hardware and related electronic components for COTS computer products. The Technical Buyer will be responsible for sourcing and procuring custom hardware that meets engineering drawings and performance requirements. You will manage RFQs and competitive bidding processes, ensuring accurate technical communication between engineering, program management, customers, quality, and suppliers. You will be responsible for negotiating pricing, lead times, contracts, and supply agreements to support cost-reduction and continuity-of-supply goals.
Our ideal candidate is an organized, dependable, and detail-oriented professional who operates with genuine integrity. Bringing professional phone etiquette and strong communication skills, they act as a seamless bridge between external suppliers and internal departments to support strong teamwork. The Technical Buyer will have good analytical skills, the ability to adapt to change, and enjoy the challenge of doing something slightly different every day.
At AMS, you'll enjoy the benefits of working in a small, privately held company where design, production, test, manufacturing, hardware, and software engineering are all located on-site. This close coupling enables us to develop ultra high-performance products at a rapid pace while delivering industry-leading quality. Your contributions will help us continue to lead our industry and expand our market!
Responsibilities
- Interpret technical documentation such as fabrication drawings, quality standards, and bills of materials to ensure supplier capability and compliance
- Evaluate and qualify custom hardware suppliers, including capability assessments, audits, and ongoing performance monitoring
- Collaborate with engineering teams on design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback, material selection, and early supplier involvement
- Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP/MRP systems, including purchase orders, lead times, demand flow quantities, and supplier records
- Monitor and remain informed of market trends in relevant materials, technologies, and global supply chain risks
- Support new product development (NPD) by coordinating prototype builds and ensuring suppliers can scale to production volumes
- Analytical mindset with the ability to balance cost, quality, and technical constraints
- Ability to conduct supplier onsite audits and manufacturing process assessments
- Willingness to travel up to 15%
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in engineering, procurement or supply chain within electronics or PCB manufacturing
- Bachelor's degree
- Understanding of custom mechanical fabrication processes, materials, stack-ups
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and standard procurement workflows
- Prior experience with negotiation, communication, and supplier-relationship
- Experience with custom hardware suppliers and manufacturers
- Familiarity with quality systems (ISO 9001 or AS9100)
- Experience in MS Word
- Experience in MS Excel
- Able to lift 20lbs
- U.S. Citizenship
Desired Technical Background
- Experience in an office environment
- Familiarity with computers
- Familiarity with electronic components
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, electronics technology, or a related field
- Background supporting NPD processes and/or high-reliability industries (aerospace, medical, automotive)
- Knowledge of ITAR and DPAS requirements and capabilities of suppliers in these areas
In compliance with local laws regarding pay transparency, the salary range for this role is $80,000/yr to $110,000/yr; however, Annapolis Micro Systems considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.