Buyer - Outside Processing (Aerospace Manufacturing)

About RTC Aerospace:

RTC Aerospace is a 60-year-old aerospace manufacturer of complex, high-tolerance, difficult-to-machine parts. We have 4 facilities across the nation bringing exceptional cellular manufacturing capabilities and unique engineered solutions to our clients’ designed products. We are a company driven by ambitious individuals, working together to become an industry leader in lean-cell manufacturing. Come be a part of something exceptional at RTC Aerospace!

How You’ll Make an Impact

The OSP Buyer (Levels I, II, III) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing purchasing functions related to Outside Processing (OSP), supporting cross-functional teams including Quality, Engineering, Planning, Estimating, Manufacturing, and Finance. This role plays a critical part in maintaining part flow through outside processors while upholding cost, schedule, and compliance objectives.

The ideal candidate brings integrity, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills to support both production needs and estimating requirements in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

What you’ll be doing as a Buyer (Outside Processing):

Key Duties & Responsibilities (All Levels):

• Source and maintain relationships with vendors and processors that meet aerospace standards for quality, lead time, and cost.
• Create, manage, and track Purchase Orders (POs) for outside services such as heat treating, anodizing, NDT, passivation, and painting.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and lead time to support purchasing decisions and quoting efforts.
• Assist in cost containment and reduction by negotiating pricing and monitoring supplier performance.
• Collaborate with Shipping/Receiving to manage logistics and documentation for outgoing and incoming OSP parts.
• Review shortage reports daily to ensure Just-In-Time (JIT) support for operations.
• Resolve discrepancies in supplier invoices, deliveries, and documentation in coordination with Accounting and Receiving.
• Support the Estimating department by sourcing pricing that aligns with customer specs, terms, and timelines.
• Quickly develop a working knowledge of the company’s MRP/ERP system to input, update, and manage purchasing data.
• Ensure adherence to all company, state, and federal safety and compliance policies.

Buyer I – Entry-Level OSP Buyer:

• Experience: 0–2 years in purchasing, manufacturing, or administrative support.
• Supports senior buyers with purchase order entry, expediting, and supplier follow-ups.
• Assists in basic quoting and invoice resolution with supervision.
• Learns part routing, processing requirements, and supplier documentation.
• Works closely with Shipping/Receiving to understand part status and flow.

Buyer II – Intermediate OSP Buyer:

• Experience: 2–5 years in purchasing or supply chain, preferably in aerospace or manufacturing.
• Independently manages routine OSP POs and vendor communications.
• Supports quote activities for Estimating and ensures timely return of processed parts.
• Assists in supplier selection and participates in performance reviews.
• Troubleshoots discrepancies in invoicing, delivery, and documentation with minimal oversight.

Buyer III – Senior OSP Buyer:

• Experience: 5 years in aerospace or complex manufacturing procurement, with emphasis on special processing and vendor management.
• Fully responsible for critical-path OSP operations, supplier performance, and continuous improvement.
• Leads negotiation efforts and pricing strategies for long-term processing contracts.
• Supports strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier audits.
• Collaborates with Quality and Estimating to interpret technical specs, drawings, and cert requirements.
• Mentors junior buyers and contributes to department training and development.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills, and experience):

• Strong time management skills with the ability to meet shifting deadlines and priorities.
• High ethical standards when dealing with internal teams, vendors, and customers.
• Team-oriented with a solution-focused mindset.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing experience (level-dependent).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Outlook).
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems and manufacturing documentation (certifications, POs, routings).

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills, and experience):

• Aerospace or defense industry experience.
• Knowledge of special processing certifications (e.g., NADCAP).
• Exposure to invoice and PO reconciliation in coordination with accounting.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Ability to lift or move up to 50lbs.
• Reach forward, up, down and to the side in order to move equipment.
• Continuous standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel material.
• Access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.

Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, long-term disability and 401(k) with up to 6% QACA company match.

The OSP Buyer Compensation range for onsite Chatsworth, California applicants is $60,000 - $80,000 annually commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.