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Buyer/Inventory Planner
Liquid RoboticsUnited States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 6 Mar 2026
💰 $110,000/yr($62,000/yr – $110,000/yr)
About the role
Buyer/Inventory Planner Overview Liquid Robotics Supply Chain is seeking a Buyer and Inventory Planner to join us in the development of autonomous ocean robots. As part of our small but highly-motivated and fun team, you will participate in all aspects of the procurement and planning process that contributes to world-changing products. The successful candidate will bring procurement and planning experience with skills in balancing appropriate stock levels and forecasting. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a self-starter attitude and the ability to work cross-functionally with suppliers, team members and internal customers. Strong communication skills and making sure LR’s Supply Chain processes stay compliant are a must. This position is based in the Potomac Region, although strong candidates will be considered for a hybrid work arrangement with regular travel required. Responsibilities:
- Procure hardware components such as PCBA, machine parts and cables during the early product development phase and through production based on MRP (Material Requirement Planning) from ERP system
- Qualify suppliers based on technical capability, quality control, capacity, and manufacturing expertise and compliance. Maintain and update ASL (Approved Supplier List). Manage the PIA process (Proprietary Information Agreements)
- Collaborate with LR Contracts, Compliance and Boeing counterparts to assure LR’s continuous compliance
- Responsible for monitoring, expediting, tracking and reporting on all company and production Po’s and RMA’s.
- Establish and cultivate relationships with local and international vendors and contract manufacturer
- Manage incoming material ensuring proper disposition of received material and manage adequate inventory levels.
- Coordinate with the R&D team as they develop next generation products
- Source and order parts and assemblies to support development work and launch schedule.
- Own the transfer of new products from design to production.
- Drive lead time, safety stock and cost reduction in all projects
- Support Engineering change order (ECO) functions and ensure proper implementation and disposition of impacted materials
- Manage consigned builds, partially consigned builds, turnkey builds, and sometimes assist with kitting materials
- Responsible to help with wall to wall physical count and drive resolution for discrepancies to assure accurate inventory counts (above 95%)
- Create purchasing reports for management review. Lead the SOLR PO Process.
- Manage cut-in dates of new materials based on consumption of old materials
- Manage all invoices for credit card purchases and work closely with finance team monthly to resolve any open issues
- Support the quarterly PPV (Purchase Price Variant) process and assist Finance establish the correct standard cost
- Partner with BD (Business Development) on forecasting demand
- Maintain annual Supplier Scorecards and implement corrective action as required. Participate in NCR (Non-Conformance Report) meetings and open and manage NCR Jira Tickets as needed.
- Perform QMS (Quality Management System) tasks as assigned and create Work instructions and SOP’s.
- Perform other job duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in operations, supply chain management, or related field with some technical knowledge in machine parts and PCBA’s.
- Highly Analytical mindset
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, purchasing & vendor management in a manufacturing environment.
- Materials program management experience including defining, scheduling, tracking, communicating status, prioritizing
- Experience in electronics and machine parts purchasing
- Strong negotiation skills and experience with NPI (New Production Introduction) processes
- Excellent communication skills, planning skills, problem solving skills, attention to detail
- Experience in a lean startup environment is preferred
- Experience working with Jira, Arena PLM, NetSuite MRP is a plus
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Creative self-starter to recommend outside-the-box and innovative proces
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