Purchasing Associate

Purchasing AssociateLocation: Hawthorne, CAIndustry: Aerospace & Defense ManufacturingPosition Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)Reports To: Supply Chain ManagerSalary Range: $22.00 - $26.00/hr (DOE)Position SummaryWe are seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and motivated Purchasing Associate to join our procurement team. In this entry-to-mid-level role, you will be responsible for supporting the daily supply chain operations of our Aerospace & Defense precision CNC machine shop. You will coordinate the procurement of raw materials (titanium, aluminum, Inconel), hardware, shop supplies, and critical outside processing services (heat treating, anodizing, plating).The ideal candidate possesses strong data-entry skills, enjoys negotiation, and understands the absolute necessity of 100% accurate data traceability required under aerospace compliance guidelines.Key ResponsibilitiesPurchase Order (PO) Execution: Generate, issue, and track purchase orders for raw metals, hardware, tooling, machinery components, and general shop supplies within our ERP systemOutside Processing Coordination: Coordinate the logistics and purchasing paperwork for parts sent to external vendors for specialized treatments (e.g., anodizing, NDT, heat-treating, chem-film), ensuring strict compliance with customer approved-supplier lists (ASL)Expediting & Order Tracking: Actively track open orders, communicate with vendors regarding shipping delays, and provide daily status updates to the production scheduling teamTraceability & Compliance Verification: Request, review, and organize critical quality documentation—such as material test reports (MTRs), Certificates of Conformance (CoCs), and processing logs—to meet AS9100 requirementsInvoice & Receipt Reconciliation: Collaborate with the receiving department and accounts payable to resolve discrepancies in shipment quantities, pricing, or damaged itemsSupplier Relationship Management: Assist in evaluating supplier performance regarding on-time delivery and quality metricsRequired Qualifications & SkillsExperience: 1-2+ years of administrative, supply chain, or purchasing experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment (aerospace or industrial preferred but not required)Data Literacy: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data entry, tracking sheets, basic formulas) and exposure to an ERP/MRP system (e.g., JobBOSS or ProShop).Detail-Oriented & Traceability Mindset: Ability to meticulously spot errors in long part numbers, quantities, and pricing on vendor paperworkRegulatory Compliance: Due to defense manufacturing contracts, candidates must meet export control criteria and be "U.S.

Persons" as defined by ITAR regulations (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident)Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional negotiation and follow-up with industrial suppliersPreferred Skills & CertificationsBasic reading knowledge of engineering blueprints or manufacturing routers to understand material calloutsFamiliarity with standard aerospace metals (e.g., 6061 Aluminum, 15-5/17-4 Stainless Steel, Titanium, Inconel) and processes (e.g., plating, coating, welding)We will consider all qualified applicants for employment, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative Hiring Ordinance.