Enter a job title or keyword
Buyer
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 78000 - 105000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
29 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
27 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Department:
Job Summary
Buyer
Who We Are
At Firestorm were on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressorsregardless of their defense budgetthrough innovative cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision democratized deterrence. As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley were pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness were pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
About the Role
Were looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer to join our growing team in San this high-impact role youll be responsible for sourcing critical components managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and ensuring timely material availability to support the development of next-generation hardware and integrated systems. This is a hands-on role where your attention to detail ability to navigate complex supplier ecosystems and proactive mindset will help mitigate risk reduce costs and keep mission-critical programs on track from prototype to full-rate production. Youll interface regularly with internal teams suppliers and customers to ensure the seamless acquisition of materials and services that meet stringent quality and delivery standards.
What Youll Do
Procurement Operations
- Execute full-cycle procurement: issue RFQs evaluate suppliers negotiate terms place POs manage delivery schedules and resolve past-due items
- Place purchase orders and work with receiving quality and finance to resolve downstream issues
- Conduct price and cost analysis to inform acquisition strategies and contract negotiations
- Implement cost-saving initiatives and track procurement expenditures
Compliance & Risk Management
- Source negotiate and procure goods and services in compliance with FAR DFARS ITAR and internal policies
- Support the development and maintenance of a DCAA/DCMA-compliant procurement system
- Ensure adherence to supply chain risk management frameworks (e.g. NIST 800-171)
- Support internal and external audits including DCAA/DCMA reviews
- Maintain accurate and audit-ready procurement documentation and records
Supplier & Sourcing Strategy
- Support engineering and operations in identifying and qualifying the best suppliers
- Vet and onboard suppliers to meet DoD cybersecurity and regulatory requirements
- Analyze supplier data to identify opportunities to expand or consolidate the Approved Supplier List
- Manage supplier performance for quality cost and delivery; escalate and mitigate risks as needed
- Conduct market research and benchmarking to ensure a best-in-class supply base
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work on cross-functional projects to achieve cost quality and delivery targets
- Collaborate with engineering on BOM creation revisions and sourcing impact for change management
- Coordinate with inventory management and warehouse teams to maintain appropriate stock levels
- Coordinate with the operations finance and warehouse teams to resolve invoicing and reconciliation issues
- Help negotiate commercial terms and supplier agreements
- Contribute to procurement process improvements and implement procedural enhancements
- Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers across programs and departments
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in supply chain business engineering or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of supply chain or sourcing experience in a manufacturing or technology environment including technical procurement
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Deltek Costpoint SAP etc.) & and PLM systems (e.g. Arena)
- Demonstrated experience with New Product Introduction and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes
- Hands-on experience sourcing and procuring for prototype and production builds
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering BOMs
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations cost reduction and supplier performance management
- Familiarity with FAR DFARS ITAR and U.S. Government acquisition regulations
- Excellent analytical organizational and communication skills
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel Word Outlook PowerPoint)
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- 4 years of procurement or supply chain experience in an aerospace or defense industries
- Experience in startups or fast-growing environments
- Demonstrated experience interfacing with DCAA DCMA or other U.S. Government oversight agencies
- Materials management experience is desirable (i.e. warehousing transportation logistics)
- Exposure to additive manufacturing automation or advanced hardware environments
- Understanding of supply chain risk management and supplier contingency planning
- Knowledge of forecasting tools procurement analytics and market benchmarking
- Experience supporting R&D procurement and prototype builds
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego CA.
- This role requires daily on-site presence.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE as required.
- Occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required
Compensation
US Salary Range: $78000 - $105000 USD
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors including but not limited to relevant experience education certifications specialized skills geographic location and business needs. Actual compensation may vary and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Benefits & Perks
Our culture fosters collaboration respect and trust empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- We offer comprehensive medical dental and visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in November & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- Basic Life/AD&D short-term and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services such as free legal and financial support are available to you as well.
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) you must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability protected veteran status or any other characteristic under federal state or local law including those with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities women Veterans and those with disabilities to apply and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process please dont hesitate to reach out to us at so we can provide the support you need.
