Purchasing Associate at Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Are you a detail-driven professional with a knack for navigating complex supply chains? Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is looking for a proactive and resourceful Purchasing Associate to join our team in Johnstown, PA. The Purchasing Associate will help ensure our manufacturing operations run smoothly and efficiently. In this pivotal role, you’ll be responsible for securing critical, high-value materials—on time and in the right quantities—to support our production goals.

Beyond day-to-day procurement, you’ll play a key role in developing and strengthening our supply chain strategy, collaborating with vendors, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy turning logistical challenges into streamlined solutions, we’d love to meet you.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Utilize Enterprise Resource Planning system to assist in identifying Production material requirements; Interface with Production Planning to monitor material issues; and place Purchase Orders and expedite Production and Repair & Overhaul materials.

• Process requisitions for all indirect materials, including shop supplies, tooling, equipment, office supplies, work clothes, etc.

• Work with Return to Vendor Coordinator to process Material Non-conformances and Rejections, assisting with return, and help to facilitate resolution to issues associated with defective or damaged materials.

• Make occasional visits to suppliers' facilities to become familiar with equipment, personnel and capabilities, and to support and assist them when problems arise.

• Provide input for Supplier Evaluations based on established metrics.

• Share knowledge with new hires within Purchasing Team.

• Assist in identifying & implementing business improvement initiatives related to the Procurement function at Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

• Assist Purchasing Team with routine supplier and management reporting, item data updates and date maintenance.

• Apply Department of Defense (DOD)/US Government, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR) regulations to meet contract expectations for consistency, accuracy and compliance in purchase order documentation.

Supply Chain Development Responsibilities:

• Assist with reporting in support of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace’s Small Business contracting requirements.

• Prepare & send Requests for Quotation in collaboration with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace’s Procurement Department for indirect purchases.

• Assist with evaluation of quotation packages and Suppliers.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years of experience directly related to purchasing, contracts or supply chain preferred.
• Experience with federal government contracting preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:

• 6 months (+).

OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:

• Up to 10% of international and domestic travel required.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, etc.).

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations. In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, employee stock purchase option, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Sick time off

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift

9/80 Schedule

Training:

6 months (+)