Buyer/Inventory Planner

Buyer/Inventory PlannerLiquid Robotics Supply Chain is seeking a Buyer and Inventory Planner to join us in the development of autonomous ocean robots. As part of our small but highly-motivated and fun team, you will participate in all aspects of the procurement and planning process that contributes to world-changing products. The successful candidate will bring procurement and planning experience with skills in balancing appropriate stock levels and forecasting. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a self-starter attitude and the ability to work cross-functionally with suppliers, team members and internal customers. Strong communication skills and making sure LR's Supply Chain processes stay compliant are a must. This position is based in the Potomac Region, although strong candidates will be considered for a hybrid work arrangement with regular travel required. Responsibilities: Procure hardware components such as PCBA, machine parts and cables during the early product development phase and through production based on MRP (Material Requirement Planning) from ERP system Qualify suppliers based on technical capability, quality control, capacity, and manufacturing expertise and compliance. Maintain and update ASL (Approved Supplier List). Manage the PIA process (Proprietary Information Agreements) Collaborate with LR Contracts, Compliance and Boeing counterparts to assure LR's continuous compliance Responsible for monitoring, expediting, tracking and reporting on all company and production Po's and RMA's. Establish and cultivate relationships with local and international vendors and contract manufacturer Manage incoming material ensuring proper disposition of received material and manage adequate inventory levels. Coordinate with the R&D team as they develop next generation products Source and order parts and assemblies to support development work and launch schedule. Own the transfer of new products from design to production. Drive lead time, safety stock and cost reduction in all projects Support Engineering change order (ECO) functions and ensure proper implementation and disposition of impacted materials Manage consigned builds, partially consigned builds, turnkey builds, and sometimes assist with kitting materials Responsible to help with wall to wall physical count and drive resolution for discrepancies to assure accurate inventory counts (above 95%) Create purchasing reports for management review. Lead the SOLR PO Process. Manage cut-in dates of new materials based on consumption of old materials Manage all invoices for credit card purchases and work closely with finance team monthly to resolve any open issues Support the quarterly PPV (Purchase Price Variant) process and assist Finance establish the correct standard cost Partner with BD (Business Development) on forecasting demand Maintain annual Supplier Scorecards and implement corrective action as required. Participate in NCR (Non-Conformance Report) meetings and open and manage NCR Jira Tickets as needed. Perform QMS (Quality Management System) tasks as assigned and create Work instructions and SOP's. Perform other job duties as assigned. Expertise/Skills Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in operations, supply chain management, or related field with some technical knowledge in machine parts and PCBA's. Highly Analytical mindset 3-5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, purchasing & vendor management in a manufacturing environment. Materials program management experience including defining, scheduling, tracking, communicating status, prioritizing Experience in electronics and machine parts purchasing Strong negotiation skills and experience with NPI (New Production Introduction) processes Excellent communication skills, planning skills, problem solving skills, attention to detail Experience in a lean startup environment is preferred Experience working with Jira, Arena PLM, NetSuite MRP is a plus Microsoft Office Suite Creative self-starter to recommend outside-the-box and innovative process improvements Experience with FAR and DFAR is a plus Must be able to self-manage and balance multiple efforts as assigned by the Head of Supply Chain. Proactive problem solving, reporting and work approach. U.S. Person required Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $62,000 - $110,000 Liquid Robotics designs and manufactures Wave Gliders, the world's first wave and solar powered autonomous ocean robots. With partners, they address challenges facing defense, Oil & Gas, commercial and science customers by making ocean data collections and communications easier safer and in real-time. Liquid Robotics was acquired by Boeing in December of 2016 and operates as an independent non-integrated subsidiary. Liquid Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.