Jr. Buyer, Indirect

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, California

On-site

Posted May 1, 2026

Job Description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Junior Buyer to execute procurement activities across assigned commodities, programs, and value streams in a government defense contracting environment. The ideal candidate will independently manage sourcing, supplier relationships, and subcontract compliance while ensuring adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and cybersecurity requirements. This role will serve as an individual contributor responsible for the full procurement cycle within cross-functional program teams. The ideal candidate will have foundational knowledge of government contract flow-down requirements and the ability to work collaboratively with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Program Management stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

· Execute end-to-end procurement activities for assigned commodities, programs, or value streams, including purchase order execution with accurate technical, quality, and contractual flow-down clauses

· Source materials, components, and services from the Approved Vendor List (AVL) in compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and cybersecurity requirements

· Contribute to make/buy decisions and long-term sourcing strategies aligned with program objectives

· Manage supplier relationships, monitoring KPIs including On-Time Delivery, Quality, Lead Time, and Cost Performance, and drive corrective actions as needed

· Conduct supplier negotiations and cost and price analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing

· Qualify and onboard new suppliers to mitigate risk or address capacity constraints, partnering with Quality and Engineering to resolve technical issues, nonconformances, and root cause corrective actions

· Maintain audit-ready procurement documentation to support DCMA, DCAA, CPSR, and customer audits

· Review and validate contractual flow-down requirements for subcontractors and suppliers, and identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies

· Collaborate with Planning and Manufacturing to align material availability with production schedules and program milestones

· Provide procurement status reporting and risk visibility to supply chain and program leadership, and participate in material review boards and program reviews as the procurement point of contact

· Drive cost-reduction initiatives, value engineering efforts, and continuous improvement programs

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field

· 2–5 years of procurement or buying experience in a government defense contracting environment

· Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contract flow-down requirements

· Experience managing Approved Vendor Lists (AVL) and supplier qualification processes

· Experience in supplier negotiations, cost/price analysis, and subcontract compliance reviews

· Experience supporting ERP/MRP systems such as Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement analytics

· U.S. Citizenship

Pay range for this role

$78,000—$92,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits:

Competitive total compensation package
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401k with company-match
4 weeks of paid time off each year
12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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