Buyer 3 - Electrical Components

Company Overview

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

Position Overview 

We are seeking a Buyer III responsible for sourcing, procurement, and supplier management of electrical components, including PCBAs, connectors, wire harness components, and complete wire harness assemblies, to support the production and delivery of autonomous turret systems for the DoD. This role will focus on managing complex electrical supply chains, ensuring technical compliance, and driving cost, quality, and delivery performance.

A key aspect of this role is strategically scaling the supply chain to align with aggressive production ramp goals—ensuring suppliers, capacity, and material strategies are established early to support transition from development into full-rate production. You will work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to enable a smooth and predictable scale-up. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology and strengthen national defense capabilities.

What You’ll Do:

• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers of PCBAs, connectors, cables, and wire harness assemblies. Ensure suppliers meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations, including adherence to IPC/WHMA standards where applicable. Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions as needed

• Sourcing: Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for electrical components and assemblies, with a focus on technical capability, scalability, and reliability. Continuously develop a resilient and diversified supply base that can support both prototype and high-volume production needs

• Technical Procurement: Partner closely with engineering to understand drawings, BOMs, specifications, and revision changes for PCBAs and harness assemblies. Ensure suppliers fully understand technical requirements, including testing, traceability, and configuration control

• Strategic Scaling: Develop and execute sourcing strategies that proactively align supplier capacity, lead times, and inventory positioning with forecasted production ramps. Establish long-term supplier partnerships, capacity agreements, and dual-sourcing strategies to support rate increases and mitigate bottlenecks

• Negotiation: Lead negotiations on pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and long-term agreements for electrical components and assemblies. Balance cost targets with quality and supply continuity, especially in the context of scaling volumes

• Cost Analysis: Conduct detailed cost analysis for PCBAs and harnesses, including should-cost modeling (labor, components, test, yield). Identify opportunities for cost reduction through design feedback, alternate sourcing, and volume leverage

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate supply chain risks specific to electronics (e.g., component obsolescence, long lead-time semiconductors, single-source connectors). Develop strategies such as alternate parts, last-time buys, and buffer stock to ensure uninterrupted production

• Compliance: Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable government regulations (FAR/DFAR), as well as industry standards such as IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and ITAR where applicable

• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and planning teams to support NPI builds, production ramp, and ongoing delivery commitments. Act as the primary supply chain interface for electrical assemblies

• Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements in sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and internal procurement processes. Support initiatives such as supplier consolidation, lead-time reduction, and scalability of procurement operations

What You Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience

• 5+ years of experience in procurement and supplier management, specifically with electrical components such as PCBAs, connectors, cables, and wire harness assemblies

• Proven experience supporting production ramp and scaling supply chains from prototype to higher-rate manufacturing

• Strong understanding of electrical drawings, BOM structures, and configuration control

• Experience working with contract manufacturers (CMs) and electronics suppliers

• Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Familiarity with government procurement regulations (e.g., FAR, DFAR) and industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620) is a plus

• Experience managing component lifecycle risks (e.g., obsolescence, allocation, long lead items)

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools

Physical Demands:

• Occasional standing and walking within the office.

• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.  

• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.  

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).  

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary

• ACS Equity Package

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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