Engineering Jobs in Cherryville Gaston County, NC

ABOUT BUCKEYE FIRE EQUIPMENT

Buckeye Fire Equipment is a leading manufacturer of portable fire extinguishers and suppression systems, trusted by fire protection professionals, industrial facilities, and government agencies for over 58 years. Our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation drives every aspect of our operations — and our procurement team plays a critical role in sustaining that standard.

POSITION SUMMARY

Buckeye Fire Equipment is seeking an experienced, results-driven Strategic Buyer to join our Supply Chain team on a full-time, onsite basis. This role is central to our procurement operations and requires a proven professional who can demonstrate measurable cost savings, optimize inventory performance, and build strong supplier partnerships. The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of hands-on buying experience and a track record of delivering quantifiable impact in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement & Sourcing

• Manage end-to-end procurement of direct and indirect materials including raw materials, components, and MRO supplies
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that drive measurable cost reductions year-over-year
• Conduct competitive bidding, RFQs, and supplier negotiations to secure best-in-class pricing and terms
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers in alignment with quality, cost, delivery, and sustainability objectives

Inventory Optimization

• Analyze demand patterns and lead times to establish and maintain optimal safety stock and reorder points
• Implement inventory reduction strategies without compromising service levels or production continuity
• Collaborate with production planning and warehouse teams to align purchasing activity with operational needs
• Monitor and report on key inventory KPIs including turns, days on hand, and excess/obsolete exposure

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, conducting regular business reviews and performance evaluations
• Drive supplier development initiatives focused on quality improvement, lead-time reduction, and cost competitiveness
• Resolve supply disruptions proactively, maintaining continuity of supply to the production floor

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams on new product introductions and material change requests
• Support Finance with accurate purchase price variance (PPV) tracking and budget forecasting
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical sourcing standards, and regulatory requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in a Buyer or Senior Buyer role within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Demonstrated, quantifiable success in cost savings initiatives — candidates must be prepared to present specific examples and metrics
• Proven track record of inventory optimization, including reductions in excess inventory, improved turns, or safety stock rationalization
• Deep knowledge of procurement best practices, sourcing methodologies, and supplier negotiation techniques
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, supplier performance metrics, and inventory reports
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings to leadership
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPM, CPSM, or APICS (CPIM/CSCP) certification strongly preferred
• Experience in fire protection, safety equipment, or other regulated manufacturing industries
• Background in lean manufacturing or supply chain continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience managing multi-site or global supply chains

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Within your first year, you will have established trusted supplier relationships, identified and begun executing a pipeline of cost savings opportunities, and implemented inventory controls that measurably improve turns and reduce excess stock. You will be a go-to resource for supply chain decision-making across the organization and a visible contributor to Buckeye's operational performance.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead and maintain our quality management systems within a precision machine shop environment. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards, driving continuous improvement, and overseeing all quality-related activities across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of machining processes, demonstrated success managing audits, and a proactive, hands-on approach to quality leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Quality System Management

• Lead, maintain, and improve the company’s ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified quality management systems.
• Serve as the primary contact for audits (internal, external, customer, and third-party).
• Ensure documentation, procedures, and processes remain compliant and fully up to date.
• Oversee corrective and preventive action (CAPA) systems and ensure timely closure of nonconformities.

Operational Quality Leadership

• Develop and implement quality policies, objectives, and KPIs aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage all inspection activities, including first article inspections, in-process checks, and final quality approval.
• Lead root-cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, etc.).
• Work closely with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues.

Supplier & Customer Interface

• Qualify and monitor suppliers according to ISO/IATF requirements.
• Support customer quality requirements, including PPAP, APQP, control plans, and FMEA processes.
• Respond to customer complaints with structured analysis and corrective actions.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop the Quality team (inspectors, technicians, auditors).
• Provide training on quality standards, inspection methods, and process control tools.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 5–7 years of Quality experience in a machine shop or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality systems (certification or audit experience highly preferred).
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC tools.
• Proficiency with GD&T, blueprint reading, and precision measurement equipment.
• Demonstrated success managing audits and leading quality teams.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.