Buyer/Planner

Design West Technologies Inc. (DWT) is a leading provider of cutting-edge aerospace and military technologies. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we specialize in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-performance solutions for our clients worldwide. Our team comprises passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace and defense.

Position Overview We are seeking a dynamic Buyer/Planner to join our team onsite in Tustin, CA . The successful candidate is responsible for sourcing materials, planning and managing purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery, monitoring supplier and manufacturing performance, resolving issues proactively, and supporting budgeting and cost-saving initiatives.

Primary Job Duties

• Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, and Warehouse activities for new product introductions, BOM changes, and resolution of material quality issues (MRB, RMA, RTV, rework, replacement).
• Plan and control material flow by managing purchase orders and work orders in alignment with MRP, material availability, and demand changes; expedite and adjust orders to support on-time delivery.
• Administer purchase orders to ensure compliance with technical specifications and required documentation (CoC, MTRs, packing slips, acknowledgements, invoices); monitor PO aging, OTD performance, and supplier metrics.
• Analyze inventory and forecast demand to balance supply, reduce stockout risk, and schedule supplier shipments; negotiate pricing and agreements to reduce component costs.
• Collaborate with Accounting on sales order documentation, progress billing, and resolution of accounts payable discrepancies.
• Qualify and maintain approved suppliers (NDA, W9, COI, certifications, risk assessments) and update SCM procedures to improve process efficiency.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or technical discipline preferred.
• Strong computer skills including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and use of Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Experience/Skills Requirements

• Minimum 3+ years' experience in manufacturing environment.
• ERP systems knowledge, including MRP (Material Requirements Planning).
• Excellent planning and organization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver to commitments in a fast-paced environment, motivating people to get tasks accomplished.
• Highly motivated, results oriented driven.
• Willingness to learn and apply lean manufacturing principles (e.g. 5S, Kanban, Pull system, VSM – Value Stream Mapping)
• Must demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge ITAR regulations prefer.
• Understanding of INCO terms, payment terms and trade compliance rules.

Physical Requirements

• This job requires extensive sitting, standing and walking throughout the workday
• Lifting and moving materials up to 50 lbs.