Buyer
NPI & Prototype Procurement
Manage quoting, supplier engagement, and purchasing execution for NPI and prototype programs
Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers and materials to support new product development
Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams to ensure suppliers meet Aerospace & Defense compliance requirements
Document and institutionalize AS9100 and customer-specific purchasing requirements within procurement processes
Supplier & Commodity Management
Monitor supplier delivery commitments and drive resolution of shortages, delays, or quality issues
Communicate demand forecasts and coordinate production requirements with suppliers
Monitor purchasing activity to minimize incremental material spend while protecting supply continuity
Maintain strong supplier relationships and drive accountability for performance metrics
Supply Risk & Escalation Management
Identify capacity constraints, delivery risks, or material shortages that may impact production
Lead supply recovery plans with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Escalate issues effectively while driving root cause analysis and corrective actions
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred
Experience
3–8+ years of procurement or supply chain experience in manufacturing environments
Experience supporting precision machining, semiconductor equipment, or Aerospace & Defense supply chains strongly preferred
Experience with AS9100 or regulated manufacturing environments preferred
Systems
Experience working in ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, or similar)
Familiarity with PLM systems such as Agile is a plus
Key Competencies
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage high PO volumes
Clear and concise communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Ability to manage supply risk and drive issue resolution
Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment
Willingness to collaborate with global suppliers and teams across time zones
Location Requirement
This role is based on-site in Minnesota to support close collaboration with Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams, and to meet the engagement and documentation requirements associated with Aerospace & Defense programs and AS9100 compliance.
For candidates based in Minnesota, the pay range for this salaried exempt position is $58,700 - $95,000.
Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional job-related factors, including knowledge, skills, experience, tenure, and relevant education or training. The pay scale is subject to change depending on business needs. Your recruiter can share more about the specific range for your location during the hiring process.
Ichor is committed to supporting your personal well-being and professional development. Our benefits are designed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, provide peace of mind, and prepare for your future. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans across all locations, allowing team members to select the coverage that best meets their healthcare needs and budget. Our benefits also include a paid time-off program and paid holidays to support your time away from work. A summary of our Benefits will be provided during the interview process.
ITAR ONLY The business site where this position is located is an ITAR-compliant operation. Due to ITAR regulations, Ichor Systems is only able to employ US Persons. A US person is a lawful permanent resident (immigrant with “green card” permanent authorization to work document) or who is a protected person (a citizen, a national, a refugee, or a person granted asylum). Non-citizens with other visas are not eligible for hire at this location.
Ichor Systems Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Execution
- Create and manage purchase orders aligned with MRP demand and production schedules
- Monitor order status and ensure on-time delivery of materials to support manufacturing operations
- Maintain accurate procurement data including item master records, pricing, and supplier information within ERP systems
- Manage PO confirmations, delivery updates, and order changes
Supplier Performance & Relationship Management
- Develop strong working relationships with assigned suppliers
- Monitor supplier performance including on-time delivery, responsiveness, and capacity constraints
- Communicate demand signals and non-binding forecasts to suppliers
- Coordinate supplier commitments and proactively address delivery risks
Supply Risk & Escalation Management
- Identify potential supply constraints and escalate issues impacting production
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions with suppliers and cross-functional teams
- Communicate risks, mitigation plans, and status updates to internal stakeholders
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Maintain strong internal stakeholder relationships through proactive communication and follow-through
- Support global supply chain initiatives and process improvements
Inventory & Lifecycle Management
- Manage returns, repairs, and supplier recovery processes for assigned commodities
- Balance inventory availability with cost and working capital objectives
Systems & Process Excellence
- Maintain high standards for ERP data integrity and procurement process compliance
- Support adoption of best-in-class procurement practices and supply chain tools
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the global supply chain organization
Buyer Leveling Framework
Buyer I – Entry / Early Career
Typical Experience: 1–3 years
Focuses on execution of transactional purchasing activities with guidance from senior buyers.
Responsibilities:
- Execute purchase orders and track deliveries for assigned commodities
- Maintain ERP data and supplier records
- Coordinate routine supplier communications and follow-ups
- Escalate supply issues to senior team members as needed
- Support inventory and order management activities
Key Skills:
- Strong organization and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Developing understanding of procurement processes and manufacturing supply chains
Buyer II – Experienced Buyer
Typical Experience: 3–5+ years
Independently manages suppliers and procurement activities for assigned commodities.
Responsibilities:
- Own supplier delivery performance and order management
- Manage delivery escalations and resolve supply constraints
- Analyze supplier capacity and demand forecasts
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to support production schedules
- Identify process improvements and supply risk mitigation strategies
Key Skills:
- Strong supplier relationship management
- Effective communication across operations and global suppliers
- Problem-solving and issue resolution capabilities
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred
Experience
- 1–5+ years of relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations
- Experience supporting manufacturing, precision machining, or semiconductor supply chains preferred
Systems
- Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP
- Familiarity with PLM systems such as Agile is a plus
Key Competencies
- Strong organizational and workload management skills
- Ability to manage high purchase order volumes and supplier communications
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivated and proactive problem solver
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Flexibility to collaborate with global teams, including Asia time zones when required