Buyer III

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The Supply Chain department manages all aspect of procurement for The Aerospace Corporation. As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer Level III – Indirect Goods and Services, you will apply for your experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category leadership to deliver value across multiple business areas.  You will partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive operational efficiency, manage costs, and support innovation while ensuring compliance with corporate and government procurement requirements. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at one of our campus locations in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of indirect goods and services to drive competitive value, supplier performance, and operational excellence across the enterprise.
• Evaluate and improve sourcing activities, analyzing supplier performance, market conditions, and cost structures to identify opportunities for efficiency and innovation.
• Conduct formal market analysis to assess market trends, behaviors, and cost drivers to support sourcing strategy development.
• Develop negotiation strategies, contract structures, and pricing models to ensure best value outcomes and risk mitigation.
• Administer sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs), lead supplier selection, and manage negotiations and award processes in alignment with category strategies.
• Forecast and plan product and service demand for assigned categories and contracts, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Implement procedures and tools to continuously evaluate supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and deliverability.
• Manage post-award supplier performance through Supplier Relationship Management, continuous improvement initiatives, and innovation across assigned categories.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Buyer III:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field
• 4-6 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier management.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Demonstrated understanding of and experience with the end to end procurement lifecycle – from sourcing strategy through supplier management.
• Advanced Project management skills to build, manage, and meet effective procurement schedules
• Advanced financial acumen and analytical skills required to construct pricing strategies/exhibits, conduct bid evaluation, and justify pricing reasonableness

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Ariba/SAP experience
• Aerospace industry experience
• Experience setting up strategic purchasing agreements related to indirect categories including but not limited to: office supplies, IT-related materials & services, marketing-related services, capital, HR related services (recruitment, training, contract labor), travel management services, professional services (consultants), facilities maintenance/repair/operations, and design/construction sourcing methodologies (ex: Job Order Contracts)

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$84,600.00 - $126,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.