Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent - Aerospace Manufacturing

Job Description:

Job Title: Purchasing Agent
Location: Arizona
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: TBD
Reports To: Purchasing Manager

About Pilgrim Aerospace

Pilgrim Aerospace is a premier manufacturer of high-performance fasteners and precision-machined components for the aerospace and defense industries. We are committed to operational excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of quality and integrity. Our mission is to serve critical aerospace applications through reliable, precision-engineered solutions supported by a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Agent to support procurement operations, manage purchase orders, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and services. This role plays a key part in maintaining production schedules and ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

Position Summary

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring aerospace components, materials, and services to support production, engineering, and aftermarket requirement. This role ensures purchases are made on time, at the best value, and in compliance with the aerospace and defense industry standards, AS9100, ITAR, DFARS. The buyer will work closely with suppliers, quality, engineering, and production teams to maintain a reliable supply chain and support manufacturing schedules. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of supply chain processes within aerospace manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Vendor Coordination

• Issue and manage purchase orders for raw materials, tooling, consumables, and services.
• Mange supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost, and delivery requirements are met.
• Assist in sourcing new suppliers and obtaining competitive quotes.
• Support resolution of delivery or quality issues in coordination with the Purchasing Manager.

Process & Compliance

• Ensure purchasing activities comply with AS9100, DFARS, ITAR, and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely purchasing records for audits and compliance reviews.
• Assist in monitoring supplier certifications, traceability, and material compliance.

Inventory & Planning

• Work with Production and Operations teams to ensure material availability.
• Monitor order status, lead times, and delivery schedules to prevent shortages.
• Support inventory management through timely and accurate procurement activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Finance teams to align purchasing with business needs.
• Provide purchasing support for new product introduction (NPI) activities.
• Assist Finance with invoice resolution, spend tracking, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Highschool Diploma Required, Associate degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field preferred;
• 3-5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience; aerospace or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing modules.
• Knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, DFARS and aerospace supplier compliance a plus.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and sick time
• Career development opportunities within supply chain and operations
• Supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented work environment
• Employee recognition, wellness, and enrichment programs

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Match
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you have the following?

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing modules?

• Do you have the following?

Knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, DFARS and Aerospace supplier compliance?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Supply chain - Aerospace or Manufacturing: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person