Purchasing Specialist II
GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As a Purchasing Specialist II, you support critical company programs by sourcing and procuring electronic and mechanical components needed to keep production moving. Your day includes reviewing purchase requests and BOMs, negotiating with suppliers, issuing Purchase Orders, and coordinating closely with Engineering, Material Planning, Finance, and Receiving teams. You help ensure materials arrive on time, meet quality standards, and align with production schedules — all while maintaining compliance with government regulations and contributing to continuous procurement process improvements.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Source and Procure Components: Purchase electronic and mechanical materials based on cost, quality, and delivery requirements from submitted purchase requests and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Validate DPAS and ITAR requirements applicable to materials, suppliers, and supported programs.
- Negotiate Pricing and Issue Purchase Orders: Work with vendors and subcontractors to negotiate pricing, establish delivery schedules, and generate Purchase Orders in accordance with company policies.
- Monitor Supplier Performance: Track Purchase Orders to ensure timely delivery of acceptable quality materials and services, and recommend corrective actions when needed.
- Perform Cost and Price Analysis: Conduct pricing evaluations to support procurement decisions and maintain alignment with program budgets.
- Support Inventory Planning: Collaborate with Material Planners to maintain inventory levels that meet production demands and minimize supply risk.
- Manage Supplier Relationships: Maintain and update the vendor database while supporting supplier evaluations and long-term supplier or Contract Manufacturer relationships.
- Resolve Procurement Discrepancies: Coordinate with Finance, Engineering, and Receiving teams to address order discrepancies and procurement-related issues.
- Partner with Engineering Teams: Support qualifications for new and existing designs to ensure supplier selection aligns with quality, cost, and lead-time requirements.
- Act as Supplier Liaison: Serve as a point of contact between internal stakeholders and suppliers to facilitate communication and issue resolution.
- Participate in Process Improvements: Support initiatives that enhance procurement efficiency and overall supply chain performance.
- Operate in Fast-Paced Environments: Manage procurement responsibilities across multiple priorities and critical program schedules.
YOU’RE AWESOME AT:
- Supplier Sourcing & Procurement Execution: Identifying qualified vendors and procuring materials that meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
- Pricing Analysis & Negotiation: Performing cost analysis and negotiating vendor pricing and delivery schedules.
- ERP Systems & Procurement Tracking: Using ERP tools to manage Purchase Orders, supplier data, and procurement reporting.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working effectively with Engineering, Planning, Finance, and external suppliers to support production schedules.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- 3 or more years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain within a manufacturing, electronics, or aerospace environment.
- Experience using ERP systems for procurement, order tracking, and reporting.
- Knowledge of supplier management, pricing negotiations, and contract administration.
- Familiarity with DPAS, ITAR, or other government regulations preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to coordinate across internal departments and external suppliers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
- Professional demeanor with strong teamwork and organizational skills.
- Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:
- 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
- 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
- Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:
- Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
- Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
- Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.
BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
REFERRALS:
We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!
A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.
To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.
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