Technical Buyer - Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Job DetailsJob Location: Frederick, MD - Frederick, MD 21703Position Type: Full-TimeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 SalaryOUR COMPANY

As a manufacturing firm, ACDi's biggest differentiator is our people. We're here to do more than simply build "widgets". Our people offer solutions to challenging design and product development issues and are passionate about hitting customer delivery schedules and exceeding expectations. We approach each project understanding that achieving the highest quality possible is required for every step of the electronics design, engineering, and manufacturing process. What we do day-in and day-out has a lasting, meaningful impact across many industries and in the lives of everyday people. At ACDi we create a seismic measuring system that prevents people from getting stuck in elevators during an earthquake; we defend our nation by helping to build gun turrets for tanks, communication systems for troops, and military avionics; we support NASA programs with communications systems that converse with launched vehicles. We approach each project understanding that achieving the highest quality possible is required for every step of the electronics manufacturing process, because these projects help keep our country and people around the world safe, secure, and free. At ACDi, we’re more than just a contract manufacturer.

POSITION SUMMARY

The technical buyer – printed circuit boards (PCBs) is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers of printed circuit boards and related electronic components for a manufacturing environment. This role ensures that PCB materials meet engineering specifications, quality standards, cost targets, and production timelines. The position requires close collaboration with engineering, quality, production planning, and external suppliers.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Other duties may be assigned.

· Source and procure PCBs (rigid, flex, rigid-flex, HDI, specialty materials) that meet engineering drawings, stack-ups, and performance requirements.

· Interpret technical documentation such as Gerber files, fabrication drawings, IPC standards, and bills of materials to ensure supplier capability and compliance.

· Evaluate and qualify PCB suppliers, including capability assessments, audits, and ongoing performance monitoring.

· Negotiate pricing, lead times, contracts, and supply agreements to support cost-reduction and continuity-of-supply goals.

· Manage RFQs and competitive bidding processes, ensuring accurate technical communication between engineering, program management, customers, quality, and suppliers.

· Collaborate with engineering teams on design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback, material selection, and early supplier involvement.

· Resolve supply issues, including quality concerns, delivery delays, and engineering change impacts.

· Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP/MRP systems, including purchase orders, lead times, bill of materials, demand flow quantities, and supplier records.

· Monitor market trends in PCB materials, technologies, and global supply chain risks.

· Support new product introductions (NPI) by coordinating prototype builds and ensuring suppliers can scale to production volumes.
QualificationsSPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

· 5+ years of experience in engineering, procurement or supply chain within electronics or PCB manufacturing.

· Strong understanding of PCB fabrication processes, materials, stack-ups, and IPC standards.

· Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, Gerber files, and technical specifications.

· Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and standard procurement workflows.

· Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier-relationship skills.

· Analytical mindset with the ability to balance cost, quality, and technical constraints.

· Ability to conduct supplier onsite audits and manufacturing process assessments.

· Demonstrated skill in sharing information within all levels of the organization.

· Ability to collaborate on ideas within business teams and provide convincing reasoning for your recommendations.

· Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 15%.

Preferred Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, electronics technology, or a related field.

· Experience with global PCB suppliers and offshore manufacturing.

· Familiarity with quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100, IPC-6012/ 6013).

· Background supporting NPI processes or high-reliability industries (aerospace, medical, automotive).

· Knowledge of ITAR