Subcontract Buyer
Goodwin Recruiting
Lafayette, CO, United States
Lafayette, CO, United States
- Manufacturing
- Full-time
- subcontract buyer
- purchasing
- machining procurement
The Subcontract Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of outsourced machining, fabrication, and testing services by translating engineering requirements into work packages, negotiating with suppliers, and tracking orders. This role requires strong technical knowledge of engineering drawings, machining processes, and supplier management within a precision manufacturing environment. The position involves collaboration with engineering, production, and quality teams to support project schedules and improve supply chain efficiency.
A precision manufacturer is searching for a technically minded Subcontract Buyer to drive purchasing for machined and fabricated components that power complex engineered systems—apply today.
Subcontract Buyer What You Will Do
- Translate engineering drawings and bills of material into clear outsourced work packages for machining, waterjet cutting, welding, coating, and testing
- Identify which parts are best suited for each subcontractor based on size, capability, lead time, and cost
- Request, compare, and negotiate quotes from approximately twelve key suppliers and issue purchase orders for awarded work
- Coordinate outside processes including powder coating, cutting, welding, met lab testing, and related services to support project schedules
- Track open orders, expedite critical items, and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing with suppliers
- Maintain accurate purchasing data in the company ERP or MRP system and support budgeting and cost improvement efforts
- Partner with engineering, production, and quality to understand upcoming projects and capacity needs
- Develop new vendors to strengthen the supply base and reduce risk on critical processes and materials
Subcontract Buyer What You Bring
- Three to seven years of experience in buying, sourcing, or estimating in a machining, fabrication, or metal manufacturing environment
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and basic machining and fabrication processes
- Direct experience working with outside machine shops, waterjet or laser cutting, welding, coatings, and test labs
- Comfort managing quotes, comparing pricing, and negotiating terms with multiple suppliers
- Experience using an ERP or MRP system to manage purchase orders, deliveries, and inventory related data
- Clear and professional communication skills when working with engineering, operations, and external vendors
- Stable career history with limited job hopping and a track record of building long term supplier relationships
Subcontract Buyer Compensation and Opportunity
- Strong benefits package through a stable and growing employer in a specialized technical niche
- Chance to work closely with experienced engineers, machinists, and quality professionals on complex engineered systems
- Significant impact on supplier strategy, cost, and delivery performance with room to grow as the company expands
- Relocation support may be considered for an exceptional fit
- 4 day work weeks in a first shift environment.




