Buyer 3 – Electronics & PCBA

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.  

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country. 

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Buyer III - Electronics & PCBA to join our Supply Chain team. This is an advanced individual contributor role for an experienced electronics procurement professional who brings deep knowledge of electronic components, PCBAs, suppliers, distribution channels, and electronics manufacturing. The ideal candidate combines hands-on buying experience with the technical fluency and commercial judgment to independently work through complex electronics supply challenges, identify alternatives, and bring informed recommendations to Engineering and Supply Chain. You will serve as a subject matter expert for electronics procurement while remaining close to execution: placing and expediting purchase orders, managing supplier performance and shortages, and ensuring material is available to support production.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the procurement subject matter expert for electronics, including PCBAs, bare PCBs, electronic components, interconnects, cable and harness assemblies, electromechanical assemblies, and related production hardware; support adjacent commodities as business priorities require.
• Execute day-to-day procurement activities for assigned suppliers and commodities, including placing and expediting purchase orders, managing shortages and open-order status, resolving delivery issues, and ensuring material availability to support production requirements.
• Independently assess complex electronics sourcing and supply problems, evaluate supplier, component, and commercial alternatives, and bring informed recommendations and potential solutions forward for cross-functional decision-making.
• Lead assigned technical and commercial RFI, RFQ, and RFP activities in partnership with Supply Chain and Engineering, including component bills of material, board fabrication, assembly, test, tooling, non-recurring engineering, programming, and production-volume requirements.
• Apply deep knowledge of the electronics supplier market to identify and evaluate PCB fabricators, electronics manufacturing services providers, contract manufacturers, component manufacturers, authorized distributors, and other qualified sources; contribute supplier and market expertise to broader sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, minimum order quantities, non-cancellable/non-returnable commitments, capacity, warranty, service levels, and other commercial terms, using market knowledge and commercial judgment to achieve strong outcomes for PDW.
• Work directly with Engineering to interpret bills of material, approved manufacturer and vendor lists, drawings, specifications, datasheets, engineering changes, and build requirements; proactively identify component and sourcing Identify and mitigate allocation, obsolescence, lifecycle, sole-source, counterfeit, capacity, country-of-origin, supplier, and lead-time risks through alternate sourcing, supplier development, forecast alignment, last-time-buy planning, and other appropriate actions.
• Own supplier performance for assigned suppliers across on-time delivery, quality, cost, responsiveness, and production readiness; drive supplier follow-up, corrective actions, and recovery plans and escalate significant issues as appropriate.
• Share electronics procurement knowledge across the Supply Chain team by informally mentoring and cross-training Buyers and Planners, documenting relevant supplier and commodity knowledge, and helping build backup capability without formal supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Seven or more years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, commodity management, supplier management, or manufacturing operations, with significant direct experience purchasing or sourcing PCBAs, electronic components, electromechanical assemblies, or comparable technical production hardware.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience sourcing and purchasing PCBAs and electronic components across prototype, new product introduction, production ramp, and/or sustained production environments.
• Deep working knowledge of the electronics supply market, including component manufacturers, authorized distribution, direct sourcing, contract manufacturing, electronics manufacturing services providers, constrained supply, and other relevant sourcing channels.
• Strong working knowledge of PCBA manufacturing, PCB fabrication, surface-mount and through-hole assembly, electronic component categories, test and inspection requirements, and the major cost, quality, availability, lifecycle, and lead-time drivers within the electronics supply chain.
• Ability to interpret bills of material, approved manufacturer and vendor lists, manufacturer part numbers, drawings, component specifications, datasheets, assembly requirements, engineering changes, and controlled technical documentation and engage credibly with Engineering on sourcing alternatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading RFQs, analyzing supplier quotations, negotiating commercial terms, administering purchase orders, managing shortages, and driving supplier performance and delivery recovery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to independently structure ambiguous problems, assess alternatives and tradeoffs, and develop sound recommendations with incomplete or changing information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and work effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, Finance, Program Management, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
• Demonstrated ownership, urgency, organization, attention to detail, and commercial judgment, with the ability to manage competing production and program priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Education, coursework, certification, or hands-on experience in electrical or electronics engineering, electronics engineering technology, hardware engineering, manufacturing engineering, supplier quality, electronics manufacturing, or a comparable technical discipline.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, unmanned systems, robotics, communications, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment, including familiarity with applicable electronics quality, traceability, counterfeit-avoidance, export-control, or country-of-origin requirements.
• Experience with advanced electronics sourcing activities such as component lifecycle and obsolescence management, costed bills of material or should-cost analysis, supplier audits and capacity reviews, long-term agreements, constrained-component sourcing, or supplier corrective actions.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment and requires frequent cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. The role may require occasional travel to supplier facilities and may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the environment. Occasional overtime may be required as operational needs demand.

ITAR Requirement  

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).   

Benefits  

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:   

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.   

• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.   

• Paid Parental Leave.   

• On-site gym.   

• Employer provided life insurance.   

• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).   

• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.   

• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.   

EEO Statement  

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.