Senior Buyer

Position Overview: The Senior Buyer owns strategic and tactical procurement for critical materials and services supporting production of Velo3D's Sapphire metal additive manufacturing systems. Operating in a high-mix, low-volume capital equipment environment, this role goes well beyond PO execution: you will develop commodity strategies, lead supplier negotiations, drive cost and risk reduction, and partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Quality. The ideal candidate is analytical, self-directed, and comfortable making decisions with incomplete information in a fast-paced, growth-stage company where individual ownership has visible impact. 

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end procurement for assigned commodities, including precision machined components, electromechanical assemblies, optics/lasers, sheet metal, weldments, and metal powders supporting production of Velo3D Sapphire metal additive manufacturing systems 

• Manage approximately [$X–XM] in annual spend across assigned commodity categories 

• Lead complex supplier negotiations focused on cost, lead time, quality, payment terms, and risk reduction; negotiate and administer long-term agreements (LTAs), MSAs, and NDAs 

• Develop and execute commodity sourcing strategies, including dual/second-source qualification and supply base rationalization 

• Perform should-cost analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling to drive fact-based negotiations 

• Drive cost-reduction and value-engineering initiatives in partnership with Engineering and Operations 

• Serve as escalation point for supplier performance, delivery issues, and quality concerns; lead corrective action and continuous improvement efforts using supplier scorecards 

• Ensure materials availability to support production plans in a high-mix, low-volume capital equipment environment while optimizing inventory investment 

• Maintain and improve purchasing data integrity in [ERP system] (pricing, lead times, MOQs, safety stock parameters) 

• Support make/buy decisions and new product introduction (NPI) sourcing activities 

• Conduct supplier site visits, business reviews, and audits as needed. Travel to our Fremont, CA office regularly, up to 10% travel. 

• Ensure sourcing activities comply with export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) where applicable 

• Mentor junior buyers and planners; contribute to supply chain policies, controls, and process improvements 

Qualifications

Required:

• 5–8+ years of progressive procurement or strategic buying experience in a manufacturing environment 

• Proven track record leading supplier negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships, including contract negotiation (LTAs, MSAs) 

• Strong understanding of supply chain risk management, inventory economics, and cost structures; experience with should-cost or TCO analysis 

• Advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems ([name system]) and Excel, including data analysis and scenario modeling 

• Ability to operate autonomously, prioritize in a fast-paced environment, and make sound decisions with incomplete information 

• Strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills 

Preferred:

• Experience in high-mix, low-volume, capital equipment, or regulated manufacturing (aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical) 

• Experience managing suppliers within AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems 

• APICS (CPIM/CSCP), CPSM, or equivalent certification 

• Experience supporting NPI and rapid production ramp-up 

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience

About the Company:   Velo, Velo3D, Sapphire and Intelligent Fusion are registered trademarks of Velo3D, Inc. Without Compromise, Flow, Flow Developer, and Assure are trademarks of Velo3D, Inc.   With the only SupportFree laser powder bed fusion capability, we enable on-demand manufacturing of production quality Titanium, Inconel, and Aluminum parts with an unprecedented degree of design freedom and quality control. The VELO3D award-winning solution includes an integrated offering of hardware and software: Sapphire® metal AM production printer, Flow™ print preparation software, Assure™ quality assurance and control system, and an integrated manufacturing process that runs throughout the printing operation.   Our team enjoys excellent benefits including healthcare coverage and 401(K) employer contributions. We believe in transparency and recognizing exceptional efforts through our monthly all-hands meetings and team member appreciation awards.   Our job titles may span more than one career level. The starting base salary for this full-time position is between $100,000 and $120,000. This salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position in the U.S. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience, job-related skills, related education, work location, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. In addition to a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package, this position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and equity program, as applicable.   Velo3D provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to, and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on, race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.   This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.