Manufacturing Purchasing & Supply Chain Specialist

Job Requirements DMR Technologies is a growing advanced drone manufacturer and research company based in Lafayette, Louisiana. We are looking for a Manufacturing Purchasing & Supply Chain Specialist to help strengthen our domestic manufacturing operation through technical sourcing, supplier development, component localization, and hands-on purchasing. This is not a traditional purchasing role. We are looking for someone who can understand what we are buying, identify capable suppliers, evaluate components and specifications, and work with engineering and manufacturing to improve our supply chain. What You’ll Do • Source and purchase mechanical, electrical, electronic, structural, and other manufacturing components • Develop and manage relationships with domestic and international suppliers and manufacturers • Review existing components, parts, assemblies, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to identify sourcing opportunities • Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, dimensions, tolerances, and part requirements • Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to identify equivalent or improved components • Obtain and compare vendor quotes, lead times, MOQs, quality requirements, and commercial terms • Identify opportunities to localize components and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers • Research and qualify new domestic suppliers and contract manufacturers • Translate technical requirements into clear RFQs and supplier specifications • Evaluate whether vendors can manufacture components to required specifications, tolerances, quality standards, and volumes • Assist with component redesign or substitution when parts are difficult to source, costly, or have extended lead times • Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier, pricing, and component information • Monitor purchase orders, delivery schedules, shortages, and supplier performance • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, inventory, and leadership to resolve supply chain issues • Identify cost reduction, lead-time reduction, and supply continuity opportunities • Help establish a scalable purchasing and supply chain process as DMR's manufacturing operation grows Why DMR DMR Technologies is building advanced unmanned aircraft and drone systems in Lafayette, Louisiana, with a focus on domestic manufacturing, agricultural technology, and advanced unmanned systems. As DMR grows, this position will have a direct impact on how we source, build, scale, and localize our products. Job Type: Full-time Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Work Environment: Manufacturing / Office / Supplier-Facing Work Experience What We’re Looking For • Experience in manufacturing purchasing, procurement, supply chain, sourcing, or strategic sourcing • Experience sourcing components for a manufacturing environment • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and technical specifications • Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical components • Ability to communicate technical requirements effectively to suppliers • Experience evaluating vendors based on capability, quality, cost, lead time, and capacity • Strong negotiation and vendor management skills • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills • Ability to work directly with engineers, technicians, manufacturers, and leadership • Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to get into the details of a component or manufacturing problem Preferred Qualifications • Experience with BOMs, RFQs, ERP systems, MRP systems, or manufacturing inventory systems • Experience with component localization or domestic supplier development • Manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, agricultural equipment, robotics, electronics, drone, or other advanced manufacturing experience • Familiarity with CAD drawings, GD&T, machining, fabrication, injection molding, CNC manufacturing, sheet metal, PCB/electronics, or similar manufacturing processes • Experience sourcing components from both domestic and international suppliers • Technical degree, manufacturing experience, or equivalent hands-on experience The Person We’re Looking For We need someone who can look at a component and ask: Can we source this better? Can we make this domestically? Can another supplier build it? Can we reduce the cost or lead time? And can the supplier actually build it to the specification? You don't need to be an engineer. But you do need to be technically curious, comfortable with manufacturing, and able to understand drawings and specifications well enough to have meaningful conversations with engineers and suppliers. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving real manufacturing problems and building a supply chain from the ground up. Benefits • 401(k) • Competitive salary • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance