Contractual Combustion Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Us

Our company is a leading engineering company. We are committed to innovation, quality, and excellence in everything we do. Our team is dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of our clients and drive the industry forward.

For over 100 years, Surface Combustion has been the leader in industrial heat treatment solutions. From our signature Allcase® Batch Integral Quench Furnace to tried and proven vacuum furnace options and customized engineered products, we are your source for all heat treat and thermal processing needs.

We work with all industries including agricultural, automotive, biomass, oil & gas, and powder metals and so many more. We are also an excellent resource for rebuild and retrofit services as well as maintenance and operation. Whatever your industry, whatever your precision heat treat needs, and whatever your volume, Surface is your source.

Job Overview

The Buyer is responsible for purchasing materials essential to production, ensuring timely delivery while adhering to budgetary constraints. This role involves staying current with industry trends, negotiating contracts, and maintaining strong vendor relationships. The Buyer plays a key role in sourcing and managing suppliers, securing the best possible pricing and terms to support operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and higher preferred or equivalent experience
• Four to Six years of experience as a buyer or other substantial experience and/or education in the purchasing field is required.

Responsibilities and Duties

(The following is a list of the main duties and responsibilities. It is not meant to serve as an all-inclusive list. This position is required to perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.)

• Sourcing and selecting suppliers: Researching and identifying potential suppliers based on price, quality, and availability. 
• Negotiating contracts: Working with suppliers to negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and other contractual agreements. 
• Obtaining quotes: Soliciting quotes from potential suppliers for items needed for production or customer requests.
• Creating purchase orders: Generating and processing purchase orders for the required goods and services.
• Monitoring purchase orders: Tracking the status of orders and ensuring timely delivery. 
• Working within the ERP system: understanding and maintaining the necessary data within the ERP system for quotes, purchased parts, part creation, job work orders, and necessary reports
• Building relationships with vendors: Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. 
• Assessing the quality of goods received and ensuring they meet specifications. 
• Communicating with various departments: Working with other teams within the company, finance, and operations. 

Skills and Qualities

• Negotiation skills: Ability to effectively negotiate contracts and secure favorable terms. 
• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze data and identify trends in the market. 
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively.
• Organizational skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively. 
• Product knowledge: Ability to learn and understanding of the products being purchased.
• Budgeting skills: Ability to work within a budget and track expenses. 
• Professional integrity: Must uphold a high standard of integrity in all interactions with suppliers, ensuring ethical conduct, transparency, and fairness throughout the procurement process.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Personal Time
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Savings Plan with a company match of 50% up to 6%
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Benefits
• Health Savings Account
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Basic Life Insurance (company-paid)
• Optional Life Insurance (employee, spouse, children)
• Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program and Discounts