Role Description
We are seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Mechanical Procurement Engineer Sr. Principal to join our team. In this senior-level role, you will serve as a critical bridge between our engineering programs and supply chain organization, applying deep technical expertise in mechanical systems to drive strategic procurement decisions in support of build-to-print and prototype mechanical assemblies for the Department of Defense (DoD). This is a high-impact, highly autonomous role that requires exceptional technical judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to solve complex procurement and engineering challenges with innovative solutions.
What You Will Do:
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Technical Procurement & Engineering Support
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Apply advanced knowledge of mechanical systems design and analysis to support sourcing decisions, SOW development, RFP preparation, and supplier proposal evaluations for build-to-print and prototype DoD assemblies.
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Read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, engineering notes, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs) to ensure supplier understanding and compliance with program requirements.
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Manage and track engineering redlines and drawing updates, ensuring changes are accurately captured, reviewed, and dispositioned in a timely manner.
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Maintain and manage PLM system data (Aras, Windchill) including drawing releases, revision control, and engineering change management to ensure procurement activities are always aligned with the latest approved technical baseline.
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Process Development, Measurement & Auditing
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Lead the creation and documentation of procurement engineering processes and work instructions to standardize supplier sourcing, evaluation, and management activities.
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Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure process effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
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Conduct regular process audits to ensure compliance, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions.
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Supplier Management, Quality & Risk Mitigation
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Monitor supplier performance and actively support supplier quality activities including audits, corrective actions, and first article inspections.
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Identify and mitigate supplier risks, ensuring suppliers meet quality management requirements including AS9100 and ISO 9001.
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Collaborate with Supplier Quality Engineers to resolve non-conformances and drive improvement at the supplier level.
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Travel to supplier facilities to conduct vendor evaluations, audit manufacturing processes, and perform capacity and capability assessments to ensure suppliers can meet program requirements for DoD build-to-print and prototype manufacturing.
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Purchase Order Management & Logistics Coordination
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Partner with Procurement Buyers/SCAs to provide technical oversight across the purchase order lifecycle, ensuring POs accurately reflect technical requirements and are executed in alignment with program standards, schedule, and budget objectives.
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Serve as a technical liaison between engineering, procurement, and logistics teams, monitoring material flow and proactively engaging to resolve technical, schedule, or delivery challenges before they impact program milestones.
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Utilize ERP systems (Costpoint preferred) to manage procurement transactions, track open orders, monitor budgets, and maintain accurate program data.
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Negotiation & Cost Analysis
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Support Procurement Buyers/SCAs in supplier negotiations and source selection, leveraging technical knowledge to challenge cost positions and establish price objectives.
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Analyze pricing trends, manufacturing processes, and supplier operations to identify cost reduction opportunities and optimize material acquisitions in support of DoD program budgets and schedules.
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Strategic Planning & Leadership
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Participate with senior managers in developing strategic plans and objectives for the procurement engineering function.
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Influence without organizational authority to build consensus and drive alignment across engineering, procurement, supply chain, and quality teams.
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Serve as an organizational spokesperson on advanced technical and procurement matters.
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Program Execution & Administration
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Apply exceptional attention to detail in reviewing technical documents, contracts, SOWs, and procurement records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
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Self-initiate assignments and make independent decisions to ensure effective achievement of program and organizational objectives.
Qualifications
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Is a technically strong mechanical engineer with hands-on experience supporting build-to-print and prototype manufacturing programs for the DoD.
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Can read and interpret complex TDPs, manage drawing redlines and revisions, and ensure the technical baseline is accurately reflected in procurement and PLM systems.
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Builds processes, measures their effectiveness, and holds the organization accountable through structured audits and data-driven metrics.
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Earns trust and drives results across engineering, supply chain, logistics, and quality teams without relying on formal authority.
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Is detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable traveling to supplier facilities to evaluate manufacturing capabilities firsthand.
Benefits
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Work on high-impact DoD programs involving build-to-print and prototype mechanical assemblies that challenge and grow your technical and procurement expertise.
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Collaborate with a team of talented engineers, procurement professionals, and senior leaders.
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Enjoy a highly autonomous work environment where your expertise and judgment are trusted and valued.
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Competitive compensation package including salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
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Opportunities for continued professional development and career advancement.
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Contribute to programs that support our national defense and make a meaningful difference.
