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Modular Unmanned Autonomous Systems | Designed for the Warfighter, Built at the Edge.
The Role
The Buyer manages full-cycle procurement for prototype and production hardware, including RFQs, supplier evaluation, negotiations, purchase orders, delivery schedules, cost analysis, and supplier performance. The role maintains BOM and procurement records, supports NPI and lifecycle changes, ensures FAR, DFARS, ITAR, cybersecurity, and audit compliance, and collaborates with engineering, operations, finance, quality, receiving, and warehouse teams to mitigate supply risks and improve costs.
Summary Generated by Built In
Buyer
At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
We’re looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer to join our growing team in San Diego. In this high-impact role, you’ll be responsible for sourcing critical components, managing Bills of Materials (BOMs), and ensuring timely material availability to support the development of next-generation hardware and integrated systems. This is a hands-on role where your attention to detail, ability to navigate complex supplier ecosystems, and proactive mindset will help mitigate risk, reduce costs, and keep mission-critical programs on track from prototype to full-rate production. You’ll interface regularly with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to ensure the seamless acquisition of materials and services that meet stringent quality and delivery standards.
Procurement Operations
- Execute full-cycle procurement: issue RFQs, evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms, place POs, manage delivery schedules, and resolve past-due items
- Place purchase orders and work with receiving, quality, and finance to resolve downstream issues
- Conduct price and cost analysis to inform acquisition strategies and contract negotiations
- Implement cost-saving initiatives and track procurement expenditures
Compliance & Risk Management
- Source, negotiate, and procure goods and services in compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and internal policies
- Support the development and maintenance of a DCAA/DCMA-compliant procurement system
- Ensure adherence to supply chain risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-171)
- Support internal and external audits, including DCAA/DCMA reviews
- Maintain accurate and audit-ready procurement documentation and records
Supplier & Sourcing Strategy
- Support engineering and operations in identifying and qualifying the best suppliers
- Vet and onboard suppliers to meet DoD, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements
- Analyze supplier data to identify opportunities to expand or consolidate the Approved Supplier List
- Manage supplier performance for quality, cost, and delivery; escalate and mitigate risks as needed
- Conduct market research and benchmarking to ensure a best-in-class supply base
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work on cross-functional projects to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets
- Collaborate with engineering on BOM creation, revisions, and sourcing impact for change management
- Coordinate with inventory management and warehouse teams to maintain appropriate stock levels
- Coordinate with the operations, finance and warehouse teams, to resolve invoicing and reconciliation issues
- Help negotiate commercial terms and supplier agreements
- Contribute to procurement process improvements and implement procedural enhancements
- Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers across programs and departments
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of supply chain or sourcing experience, in a manufacturing or technology environment, including technical procurement
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, SAP, etc.) & and PLM systems (e.g., Arena)
- Demonstrated experience with New Product Introduction and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes
- Hands-on experience sourcing and procuring for prototype and production builds
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering BOMs
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and supplier performance management
- Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government acquisition regulations
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment, and organize work assignments to meet established timetables
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- 4+ years of procurement or supply chain experience in an aerospace or defense industries
- Experience in startups or fast-growing environments
- Demonstrated experience interfacing with DCAA, DCMA, or other U.S. Government oversight agencies
- Materials management experience is desirable (i.e., warehousing, transportation, logistics)
- Exposure to additive manufacturing, automation, or advanced hardware environments
- Understanding of supply chain risk management and supplier contingency planning
- Knowledge of forecasting tools, procurement analytics, and market benchmarking
- Experience supporting R&D procurement and prototype builds
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
- This role requires daily on-site presence.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required].
- Occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required
US Salary Range: $78,000 - $105,000 USD
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related field
- At least 3 years of supply chain or sourcing experience in a manufacturing or technology environment, including technical procurement
- Experience with ERP systems such as Deltek Costpoint or SAP and PLM systems such as Arena
- Experience with New Product Introduction and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes
- Hands-on experience sourcing and procuring for prototype and production builds
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering Bills of Materials
- Experience with supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and supplier performance management
- Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government acquisition regulations
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to learn new concepts quickly, apply them accurately, and organize assignments to meet established timetables
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- U.S. citizenship due to ITAR regulations and ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance
- At least 4 years of procurement or supply chain experience in aerospace or defense
- Experience in startups or fast-growing environments
- Experience interfacing with DCAA, DCMA, or other U.S. Government oversight agencies
- Materials management experience, including warehousing, transportation, or logistics
- Exposure to additive manufacturing, automation, or advanced hardware environments
- Understanding of supply chain risk management and supplier contingency planning
- Knowledge of forecasting tools, procurement analytics, and market benchmarking
- Experience supporting R&D procurement and prototype builds
Firestorm Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Firestorm and has not been reviewed or approved by Firestorm.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive across medical, dental, and vision, with company‑paid life/AD&D and short‑ and long‑term disability plus optional hospital indemnity, critical illness, and accident insurance. Tax‑advantaged accounts and mental‑health resources are also highlighted.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes “unlimited PTO” and an unusually generous holiday calendar that features a year‑end hiatus. Generous parental leave is also called out.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Multiple postings list explicit salary ranges for roles across engineering, operations, and field positions, and internship hourly rates are published. These disclosures provide clearer expectations on cash compensation for many candidates.
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The Company
What We Do
We are building the future of modular, open-source architectures supporting the Department of Defense requirements to create Affordable Mass. Firestorm is redefining military expectations for on-site modularity to support the widest array of mission areas.
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