Robinson Helicopter Company was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, whose
vision was to produce the world’s highest quality, most reliable helicopters in the most efficient, cost effective way possible. Robinson introduced the two-place piston powered R22 in 1979. The affordable, personal-type design quickly made helicopter ownership accessible to a broader audience and changed the face of general aviation. Today, the company’s top sellers are its R44 and R66 helicopters, respectively. To date, Robinson Helicopter Company has produced more than 13,000 helicopters.

Robinson puts great emphasis on research and development, continually making
improvements and offering new technology. Among its latest introductions are a cargo hook for the R66 and an autopilot designed specifically for helicopters.

Robinson manufactures, assembles, inspects, and flight tests all of its helicopters at its Torrance, California factory. To ensure the highest quality and to maximize efficiency, the company manufactures a large percentage of parts in house and
employs a highly skilled workforce. Robinson also offers monthly pilot safety and maintenance courses at the factory that attract a global audience.

Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Robinson Helicopter Company

Savvy Admin PROD

**Position Summary**

The Buyer is responsible for supporting procurement activities for direct and indirect materials and services, including aerospace components and MRO-related purchases. This role works closely with internal teams and suppliers to ensure materials are procured at the right cost, quality, and delivery, while maintaining compliance with FAA and AS9100 requirements.

This is an intermediate-level role focused on execution, with opportunities to develop expertise in aerospace procurement and regulated supply chain environments. This position reports to the Vice President of Purchasing.

**Position Responsibilities**

- Secures and analyzes quotations, negotiates prices and terms with suppliers, and recommends suppliers with respect to cost, quality, delivery competitiveness, and FAA regulatory compliance for assigned responsibilities.

- Supports procurement of aerospace components, including overhaul and repair (MRO) items, ensuring required documentation and compliance standards are met.

- Analyzes and prepares order reports including market conditions, forecasts, and material costs specific to aerospace and MRO environments.

- Monitors inventory levels and supports purchase planning using demand-driven and MRP-based approaches.

- Coordinates quality requirements, inspection criteria, and engineering changes between company activities and suppliers, ensuring compliance with FAA, AS9100, and internal quality systems.

- Supports purchasing strategies aligned with aerospace regulatory requirements and operational objectives.

- Builds and maintains relationships with suppliers, including FAA repair stations, and supports supplier performance reviews focused on quality, on-time delivery, documentation compliance, and cost.

- Initiates and supports continuous improvement and new product introduction activities within Purchasing, including MRO supply chain optimization.

- Initiates purchase orders and amendments for parts, overhaul/repair services, and special processes; ensures proper documentation and certification requirements are flowed down to suppliers.

- Interviews and confers with current and prospective suppliers to determine supply capabilities, certification status, transportation logistics, inventory control, and regulatory compliance; negotiates pricing and delivery terms.

- Investigates and resolves issues regarding invoices, material quality, certification discrepancies, and documentation compliance for aerospace components.

- Supports purchasing processes and procedures to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, AS9100 standards, and company policies.

- Maintains purchasing information, records, and full traceability documentation in accordance with FAA, AS9100, and internal audit requirements.

**Supervisory Responsibilities**

The Buyer has no supervisory responsibilities.

**Qualifications**

**EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:**

**Minimum Requirements**

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

- 3+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles, preferably in a manufacturing or regulated environment.

- Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, SAP, Oracle) and procurement tools.

- Experience with production planning and material requirements planning (MRP)

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

- Strong organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills

- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

**Preferred**

- Experience in aerospace procurement or exposure to FAA-regulated environments

- Familiarity with MRO purchasing and related documentation (e.g., FAA Form 8130-3, traceability, certifications)

- Working knowledge of FAA regulations (e.g., 14 CFR Part 145 and Part 21), or ability to learn quickly

- Working knowledge of aerospace materials, processes, and supply chain requirements

- Understanding of quality systems such as AS9100 or similar standards

Salary Range: $75,000.00- $95,000.00

Buyer

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