Job Description

We are seeking a technically capable and detail-oriented Senior Mechanical Procurement Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will apply your mechanical engineering knowledge - including a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production methods - to support strategic procurement decisions for build-to-print and prototype mechanical assemblies in support of Department of Defense (DoD) programs. You will work closely with program engineers, designers, and Procurement Buyers/Supply Chain Administrators (SCAs) to source, negotiate, and purchase machinery, equipment, tools, raw materials, parts, and supplies necessary for program operations.

This is a collaborative, execution-focused role requiring solid technical judgment, strong analytical skills, and the ability to solve difficult procurement and engineering challenges in a dynamic defense contracting environment.

This position is remote with 20% travel requirement.

The Ideal Candidate
• Has a solid mechanical engineering foundation with manufacturing process knowledge as a meaningful differentiator, and hands-on experience supporting build-to-print and prototype DoD programs with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, and TDPs
• Brings strong analytical skills to cost analysis, price trend tracking, supplier performance monitoring, and risk mitigation while working collaboratively across engineering, procurement, supply chain, and quality teams
• Is detail-oriented, exercises sound independent judgment, thrives in a remote environment, and is eager to grow supplier assessment and procurement engineering capabilities through hands-on experience

What You Will Do:

Technical Procurement & Engineering Support
• Apply technical knowledge of mechanical systems design, analysis, and manufacturing processes to support sourcing decisions, SOW development, RFP preparation, and supplier proposal evaluations for build-to-print and prototype DoD assemblies
• Read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, engineering notes, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs) - leveraging manufacturing process knowledge to assess whether supplier approaches are technically feasible and cost-effective
• Work with program engineers and designers to write Subcontractor Statements of Work (SOWs) and assist Procurement Buyers/SCAs in the preparation of RFPs and bid packages
• Review supplier proposals and provide technical input to support source selection decisions

Negotiation & Cost Analysis
• Compile and analyze statistical data to determine feasibility of buying products and support the establishment of price objectives
• Assist Procurement Buyers/SCAs with supplier negotiations, applying knowledge of manufacturing processes and production costs to analyze supplier operations and identify the lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability, and schedule requirements
• Track price trends and manufacturing process information to evaluate opportunities to leverage material acquisitions in support of program budgets and schedules

Supplier Management & Risk Mitigation
• Closely monitor supplier performance, identify supplier risks, and develop mitigation plans to protect program schedules and budgets
• Apply understanding of manufacturing processes and production capabilities to evaluate supplier capacity and identify potential production risks before they impact program deliverables
• Travel to supplier facilities to support vendor evaluations and manufacturing process assessments - initially accompanied by senior engineering staff with a clear expectation to develop independent assessment capabilities over time
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality Engineers and procurement teams to resolve supplier performance issues and represent the organization on difficult technical issues associated with specific projects

Purchase Order Management & Program Execution
• Follow up on orders placed, verify delivery, approve payment, and maintain accurate procurement records
• Partner with Procurement Buyers/SCAs to ensure purchase orders accurately reflect technical requirements and are executed in alignment with program standards, schedule, and budget objectives
• Serve as a technical liaison between engineering, procurement, and logistics teams to proactively resolve challenges before they impact program milestones
• Utilize ERP systems (Costpoint preferred) to manage procurement transactions, track open orders, and maintain accurate program data

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is preferred; Manufacturing Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is also welcomed
• 5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, procurement engineering, or a combination of both; Master's degree with 3+ years of related experience also considered
• Demonstrated experience supporting build-to-print and/or prototype manufacturing programs, preferably in a DoD or defense contracting environment
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs)
• Hands-on familiarity with manufacturing processes and how production methods impact supplier capabilities, cost drivers, and program schedules
• Working knowledge of procurement processes including RFP development, SOW writing, supplier negotiations, source selection, and contract execution
• Ability to compile and analyze statistical and pricing data to support cost analysis and price objective development
• Experience identifying and supporting mitigation of supplier and supply chain risks
• Strong attention to detail and solid analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively across engineering, procurement, supply chain, and quality teams
• Self-starter who manages priorities well under general direction and exercises sound independent judgment
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20% of the time to supplier facilities
• Ability to remain highly engaged, responsive, and proactive in a fully remote work environment
• Location: Remote; Travel Requirements: Approximately 20% travel to supplier facilities required
• Clearance Requirements: Active Secret security clearance required or ability to obtain one

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or government contracting with a working understanding of DoD program requirements and acquisition processes
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS regulations and government procurement requirements
• Experience with Costpoint ERP system
• Familiarity with SolidWorks for reviewing and interpreting 3D models and engineering designs
  CPSM or equivalent supply chain/procurement certification is a plus
• Exposure to ITAR-controlled programs or export-controlled materials is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools to improve procurement research, data analysis, cost tracking, and workflow efficiency