Strategic Buyer - Pcba

Transforming the Future with Convergence of Simulation and Data

Strategic Buyer- PCBA

Job Summary:

Our client in Auburn Hills, MI is looking for a Strategic Buyer. This is a Direct position.

What You Will Do:

The Strategy Commodity Buyer- Electronics will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA) for Electronic Power Steering (EPS) systems. This role involves supplier negotiations, cost management, and ensuring the supply chain meets quality, delivery, and cost objectives. The buyer collaborates with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and supply chain, to optimize sourcing strategies and mitigate risks.

• Sourcing & Procurement:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for PCBA and electronic components used in EPS systems.

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to enhance cost-effectiveness and supply security.

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve cost savings while ensuring supplier accountability.

• Supplier Management:

• Manage relationships with key PCBA suppliers, ensuring on-time delivery, quality compliance, and cost performance.

• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs (e.g., quality, OTD, cost competitiveness) and implement corrective actions when needed.

• Work with suppliers to drive cost reduction initiatives (VA/VE, localization, DFM/DFA improvements).

• Cost & Risk Management:

• Conduct cost analysis for PCBA assemblies and electronic components, benchmarking against industry standards.

• Implement risk mitigation strategies for supply chain disruptions, component shortages, and geopolitical risks.

• Support Make vs. Buy decisions and dual sourcing strategies to ensure continuity of supply.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with engineering and R&D to align sourcing strategies with new product development.

• Support quality teams in resolving supplier-related quality issues (e.g., PPAP, 8D problem-solving).

• Assist in supply chain planning by aligning supplier capacity with demand forecasts.

• Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure purchased PCBAs comply with automotive industry standards (IATF 16949, ISO 26262, RoHS, REACH, and APQP).

• Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier agreements in ERP systems.

• Hybrid work environment, with some global travel required for supplier visits and audits. maintain up to date prices per material contracts with supply base in alignment with customer agreements.

What You Will Need:

Basics:

• Bachelor's degree in Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years in procurement or supply chain management, with proven experience in sourcing of PCBA. Experience with automotive supplier management (Tier 1 or Tier 2) required
• Understanding of PCBA manufacturing, electronic components (MCUs, capacitors, resistors, etc.), and SMT processes required
• Familiarity with automotive electronic quality standards (e.g., AEC-Q, PPAP, APQP) required
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills and ability to analyze cost structures and conduct supplier benchmarking required
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Experience in VA/VE initiatives for electronic components preferred
• Knowledge of global supply chain constraints affecting PCBA sourcing preferred

How You Will Be Successful:

• Envision the Future
• Communicate Honestly and Broadly
• Seek Technology and Business "First"
• Embrace Diversity and Take Risks

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts
• Free training on all Altair products

Why Work with Us:

Altair is a global technology company providing software and cloud solutions in the area of data analytics, product development, and high-performance computing (HPC). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world, while creating a more sustainable future. With more than 3,000 engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers in 25 countries, we help solve our customer's toughest challenges and deliver unparalleled service, helping the innovators innovate, drive better decisions, and turn today's problems into tomorrow's opportunities.

Our vision is to transform customer decision making with data analytics, simulation, and high-performance computing.

For more than 30 years, we have been helping our customers integrate electronics and controls with mechanical design to expand product value, develop AI, simulation and data-driven digital twins to drive better decisions, and deliver advanced HPC and cloud solutions to support unlimited idea exploration. To learn more, please visit altair.com

Ready to go? #ONLYFORWARD

At our core we are explorers; adventures; pioneers. We are the brains behind some of the world's most revolutionary innovations and are not only comfortable in new and unchartered waters, we dive headfirst. We are the original trailblazers that make the impossible possible, discovering new solutions to our customer's toughest challenges.

Altair is an equal opportunity employer. Our backgrounds are diverse, and every member of our global team is critical to our success. Altair's history demonstrations a belief that empowering each individual authentic voice reinforces a culture that thrives because of the uniqueness among our team.