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.

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.

• 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.

•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)

•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.

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