Mechanical Procurement Engineer Senior Principal

About the role

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).

Responsibilities

• 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
• Read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, engineering notes, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs) to ensure supplier understanding and compliance with program requirements
• Manage and track engineering redlines and drawing updates, ensuring changes are accurately captured, reviewed, and dispositioned in a timely manner
• 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
• Lead the creation and documentation of procurement engineering processes and work instructions to standardize supplier sourcing, evaluation, and management activities
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure process effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
• Conduct regular process audits to ensure compliance, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions
• Monitor supplier performance and actively support supplier quality activities including audits, corrective actions, and first article inspections
• Identify and mitigate supplier risks, ensuring suppliers meet quality management requirements including AS9100 and ISO 9001
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality Engineers to resolve non-conformances and drive improvement at the supplier level
• 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
• 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
• Utilize ERP systems (Costpoint preferred) to manage procurement transactions, track open orders, monitor budgets, and maintain accurate program data
• Support Procurement Buyers/SCAs in supplier negotiations and source selection, leveraging technical knowledge to challenge cost positions and establish price objectives
• 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
• Participate with senior managers in developing strategic plans and objectives for the procurement engineering function
• Influence without organizational authority to build consensus and drive alignment across engineering, procurement, supply chain, and quality teams
• Serve as an organizational spokesperson on advanced technical and procurement matters
• Apply exceptional attention to detail in reviewing technical documents, contracts, SOWs, and procurement records to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Self-initiate assignments and make independent decisions to ensure effective achievement of program and organizational objectives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
• 12+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, procurement engineering, or a combination of both
• 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)
• Strong experience with procurement processes including RFP development, SOW writing, supplier negotiations, source selection, and contract execution
• Demonstrated experience providing technical oversight of purchase orders and coordinating with logistics and procurement teams to ensure on-time delivery
• Experience in supplier quality activities such as audits, corrective actions, and first article inspections
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality management standards and their application in a manufacturing and supplier management environment
• Experience identifying and mitigating supplier and supply chain risks
• Prioritization of creating, implementing, and auditing processes, establishing KPIs, and driving continuous improvement
• Experience with ERP and PLM systems (e.g., Aras, Windchill) for managing procurement, engineering data, and drawing configuration control
• Ability to influence without organizational authority and drive alignment across cross-functional teams
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision
• Willingness and ability to travel to supplier facilities for vendor evaluations, manufacturing process audits, and capacity and capability reviews
• Active Secret security clearance required

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support