Buyer

Luna Innovations Incorporated is a global leader in the fiber optics industry. We employ a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals developing and manufacturing a new generation of technologies and products. We are seeking a Buyer in our Blacksburg VA office, to manage supply chain procurement for our North America divisions.  

The Buyer is responsible not only for procuring goods but also for negotiating pricing to achieve cost savings, maintaining strong vendor relationships, and coordinating the acquisition of goods and services to ensure the seamless operation of the manufacturing process. This role also involves researching and forecasting current and future purchasing trends with a strategic focus.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Ensure delivery of product including expediting purchase orders if needed; also keeping ETA’s current in ERP system
• Manage relationships with key suppliers of raw materials, sub-assemblies, production equipment, and supplies to ensure a consistent supply of materials to meet operating requirements.
• Maintains accurate product information, purchasing, pricing, and lead-times on applicable company systems.
• Purchase goods, materials, components, or services in line with specified cost, quality, and delivery targets and to KPI's
• Must be able to use data from MRP system output.
• Process purchase orders and ensure accuracy/availability of inventory in support of product demand
• Strong analytical ability is a must, as well as attention to detail.
• Performs independently while also contributing effectively within a diverse and collaborative team environment

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field (an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered).
• 5 to 7 years of buying experience in a manufacturing environment desired.
• Strong project management skills preferred.
• Familiarity with Federal Acquisitions Regulation – (FAR) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (NetSuite).
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPSM, CPM, CSCP or CPP certification.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Very occasionally required to lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 25 lbs; heavier items may require assistance.
• May require occasional bending, reaching, or kneeling when accessing files, materials, or interacting with production floor personnel.
• Primarily office-based work adjacent to the production floor, with regular movement between planning areas and production spaces.
• Work environment includes exposure to controlled temperature and humidity, as well as cleanroom or lab-adjacent conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moderate noise levels and bright lighting from nearby machinery or equipment.

Luna is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – Luna provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military or any other characteristic. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.  Luna expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination based on any of the characteristics mentioned above.