Manufacturing Purchasing & Supply Chain Specialist @ DMR Technologies

DMR Technologies is a growing advanced drone manufacturer and research company based in Lafayette, Louisiana. We are looking for a Manufacturing Purchasing & Supply Chain Specialist to help strengthen our domestic manufacturing operation through technical sourcing, supplier development, component localization, and hands-on purchasing.This is not a traditional purchasing role. We are looking for someone who can understand what we are buying, identify capable suppliers, evaluate components and specifications, and work with engineering and manufacturing to improve our supply chain.What You’ll DoSource and purchase mechanical, electrical, electronic, structural, and other manufacturing componentsDevelop and manage relationships with domestic and international suppliers and manufacturersReview existing components, parts, assemblies, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to identify sourcing opportunitiesInterpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, dimensions, tolerances, and part requirementsWork with engineering and manufacturing teams to identify equivalent or improved componentsObtain and compare vendor quotes, lead times, MOQs, quality requirements, and commercial termsIdentify opportunities to localize components and reduce reliance on overseas suppliersResearch and qualify new domestic suppliers and contract manufacturersTranslate technical requirements into clear RFQs and supplier specificationsEvaluate whether vendors can manufacture components to required specifications, tolerances, quality standards, and volumesAssist with component redesign or substitution when parts are difficult to source, costly, or have extended lead timesMaintain accurate purchasing, supplier, pricing, and component informationMonitor purchase orders, delivery schedules, shortages, and supplier performanceWork closely with engineering, manufacturing, inventory, and leadership to resolve supply chain issuesIdentify cost reduction, lead-time reduction, and supply continuity opportunitiesHelp establish a scalable purchasing and supply chain process as DMR's manufacturing operation grows
What We’re Looking ForExperience in manufacturing purchasing, procurement, supply chain, sourcing, or strategic sourcingExperience sourcing components for a manufacturing environmentAbility to read and understand engineering drawings and technical specificationsStrong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical componentsAbility to communicate technical requirements effectively to suppliersExperience evaluating vendors based on capability, quality, cost, lead time, and capacityStrong negotiation and vendor management skillsExcellent attention to detail and organizational skillsAbility to work directly with engineers, technicians, manufacturers, and leadershipStrong problem-solving skills and a willingness to get into the details of a component or manufacturing problemPreferred QualificationsExperience with BOMs, RFQs, ERP systems, MRP systems, or manufacturing inventory systemsExperience with component localization or domestic supplier developmentManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, agricultural equipment, robotics, electronics, drone, or other advanced manufacturing experienceFamiliarity with CAD drawings, GD&T, machining, fabrication, injection molding, CNC manufacturing, sheet metal, PCB/electronics, or similar manufacturing processesExperience sourcing components from both domestic and international suppliersTechnical degree, manufacturing experience, or equivalent hands-on experienceThe Person We’re Looking ForWe need someone who can look at a component and ask:Can we source this better? Can we make this domestically? Can another supplier build it? Can we reduce the cost or lead time? And can the supplier actually build it to the specification?You don't need to be an engineer. But you do need to be technically curious, comfortable with manufacturing, and able to understand drawings and specifications well enough to have meaningful conversations with engineers and suppliers.This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving real manufacturing problems and building a supply chain from the ground up.