Job Description:
Aspen Systems, Inc. is a premier manufacturer of high-performance computing clusters and storage solutions. Since 1982, we have been at the forefront of HPC & AI innovation, designing and manufacturing cutting-edge computing systems for the most demanding applications.
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Buyer & Inventory Specialist with 8+ years of full-time procurement experience, ideally in high-performance computing or technology manufacturing. This role demands expert-level negotiation skills, advanced inventory management, and a strong ability to build and nurture supplier relationships. Cleared background checks and clean drug testing is required for employment.
Job Responsibility:
The Senior Buyer & Inventory Specialist must work with an established supply chain to meet the material demands of Aspen Systems’ manufacturing requirements in a JIT environment. The responsibilities of this job include but are not limited to:
- Develop and maintain strategic procurement to have strong and long lasting relationships with key supplies to ensure priority access, best pricing, and optimal lead times plus identify and establish relationships with new vendors to drive competitive advantages.
- Purchase hardware and software based on demands of new orders by contacting approved vendors and negotiating pricing along with the best lead times.
- Purchase office supplies and non-customer order production parts and equipment.
- Collaborate between different teams on purchasing components for customer RMA’s to repair them as soon as possible and loo for alternative/compatible components that can be lower cost, higher performance, or shorter lead time.
- Update dashboards with revised ETA dates, tracking numbers, notes, etc. to meet build schedules.
- Update and maintain vendor contacts, purchasing training material, and look for improvements to processes and procedures as well as inventory processes for better efficiency, cost, and time savings.
- Maintain data accuracy with parts and descriptions when needed in the ERP system and job-based manufacturing records.
- Track and submit vendor rebates.
- Receive all incoming material that arrives on PO’s into our ERP system.
- Own the entire inventory process and manage inventory by counting correctly, maintaining and organizing shelfs, entering counts into a database, and verifying other employees counts.
- Maintain a high level of organization and attention to detail in all tasks.
- Request and manage the processing of RMAs (Return Material Authorization) with key strategic vendors.
- Work with production and engineering to handle processing of DMRs (Defective Material Returns)
- Travel up to 2-3 weeks out of the year for vendor relationship development and trade show events.
Job Qualifications:
The candidate must be able to integrate into a team as well as work independently and efficiently. Required skills include an advanced understanding of computer hardware and software, professional mathematical and accounting skills, attention to detail, and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment. The ability to build lifelong professional relationships with all stakeholders.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education and experience. CPM, JIT education helpful.
- Ability to speak one or more Asian languages is highly desired for this position.
- Deep expertise in inventory control, stock optimization, and vendor relationship management.
Experience & Industry Knowledge
- Minimum 8 years of full time experience as a buyer or procurement specialist, supply chain and/or procurement experience with computer components, including purchasing high-tech commodity components.
- Minimum 3 year of experience in computer components purchasing.
- Proven abilities of developing new supplier relationships and negotiating multi-million dollar deals.
- Strong knowledge of high-performance computer hardware, peripherals, and parts.
- Experience in manufacturing high-performance computers and storage.
- Thorough understanding of supply chain processes, including procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
- Knowledge to substitute components in complex computer systems by understanding the technologies involved.
- Have the proven ability to negotiate fiercely to secure cost-effective, high-quality components while managing risks related to availability, price fluctuations, and logistics.
- Experience and drive to stay ahead of market trends, emerging technology, pricing, and product availability trends with vendor engagement to drive strategic purchasing decisions.
Technical & Software Proficiency
- Experience with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, Oracle, SAP, or equivalent).
- Experience with job-based manufacturing software and job scheduling.
- Bar coding, real time inventory management, and control experience.
- Serial tracking and data entry experience.
- Must be an expert-level computer user—fast, efficient, and highly proficient in multiple software environments.
- Linux experience and administrative knowledge of Windows/Linux OS (helpful but not required).
Logistics & Operations
- Knowledge of shipping carriers and ability to estimate freight weights and dimensions.
- Verify PO’s and coordinate incoming shipments with vendors to meet production schedules.
- Ability to maneuver around a warehouse and lift up to 50 lbs.
Soft Skills & Work Environment
- Proactive, highly organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and a strong memory for vendor details.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills (phone, email, IM) for negotiations.
- Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, flexible, and adaptable environment with tight deadlines.
- Must have reliable transportation and be able to work on-site 5 days a week at the Wheat Ridge production facility – no remote work.
About Aspen Systems:
Founded in 1982, Aspen Systems, Inc. is a market leader in high-performance computing. We design, manufacture, and service high-performance computing products, including compute clusters, AI/GPU Systems, HPC applications management, petabyte data storage systems, advanced file systems, and visualization. Focusing only on the most demanding HPC applications, we have a long-proven track record of building some of the most advanced technical computing systems in the marketplace.
What we offer:
- Aspen Systems offers a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, Generous Holidays, Annual Bonuses, 401K/Matching and Paid Vacation, Great food (we cater lunches on Wednesdays), and BBQ when the weather permits. It is a full-time career position.
- We are looking to fill this great opportunity immediately, we have a world-class, professional, and fantastic team here, and we’re a great place to work and play. Bring your passion for HPC advanced computing and become a crucial part of an incredible team.
- Only US citizens and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. We’re unable to sponsor visas at this time. We are a smoke/drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Join Our Team!
This is an immediate, high-impact opportunity for a senior procurement expert who excels in supplier negotiations, inventory accuracy, and relationship management in the high-performance computing industry.
Note: Only U.S. citizens due to government customers security reasons. We are unable to sponsor visas at this time. Aspen Systems is a smoke-free, drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer.