Purchasing Specialist

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC.

In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you'll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

KDA Inc. in Johnstown, PA is seeking to fill the position of Purchasing Specialist. The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for carrying out various duties to ensure a sufficient quantity of direct, complex, critical materials are available on-time for the manufacturing process; and to develop supply chains and assist in contract negotiation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Utilize Enterprise Resource Planning system to identify Production material requirements;
  Interface with Production Manager and Planning Manager to identify material issues; and place Purchase Orders and expedite Production materials as well as Repair & Overhaul materials.
• Process requisitions for all indirect materials, including shop supplies, tooling, equipment, office supplies, work clothes, etc.
• Work with Return to Vendor Coordinator to process Material Non-conformances and Rejections, Coordinate return, and facilitate resolution to issues associated with defective or damaged materials.
• Assist with follow-up of Supplier Corrective Action Requests and Engineering Change Requests
• Make periodic visits to suppliers' facilities to become familiar with equipment, personnel and capabilities, and assist them when problems arise; and identify and develop productivity and cost improvement strategies for suppliers.
• Administer routine Supplier Evaluations based on established metrics.
• Identify and assist in staff training and development initiatives.
• Assist in identifying & implementing business improvement initiatives related to the Procurement function at Kongsberg Protech Systems USA (KPS USA).
• Assist in negotiations with the suppliers in accordance with Company and Government regulations.
• Apply Department of Defense (DOD)/US Government, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR) regulations to meet contract expectations for consistency, accuracy and compliance in purchase order documentation.
• Participate in new supplier development initiatives.
• Support KPS USA's Small Business contracting requirements.
• Prepare & send Requests for Quotation in collaboration with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace's Procurement Department.
• Review engineering drawings and specifications with new and prospective vendors.
• Participate in Evaluation of quotation packages and Suppliers, including risk assessment, capacity analysis and quality controls through various methods, including on-site audits.
• Participate in negotiation of commercial terms and price for Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Procurement.
• Participate in technical terms negotiations with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Engineering.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

A High School Diploma/GED plus 5 years of experience directly related to purchasing, contracts or supply chain required-OR - bachelor's degree in business or related field plus two years of experience directly related to purchasing, contracts or supply chain required.

Experience with federal government contracting preferred. Valid driver's license required.

Travel; both international and domestic is required for this role.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Protech Systems USA performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations.

In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or…