Mechanical Procurement Engineer Senior Principal

SAIC • Town of Amherst, NY

7d

About The Position

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). You will work closely with program engineers, designers, and Procurement Buyers/Supply Chain Administrators (SCAs) to ensure the successful sourcing, negotiation, and acquisition of machinery, equipment, and materials necessary to meet program objectives. 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.

Requirements

• Technically strong mechanical engineer with hands-on experience supporting build-to-print and prototype manufacturing programs for the DoD, and understands how engineering decisions directly drive procurement outcomes and supplier performance
• Can read and interpret complex TDPs, manage drawing redlines and revisions, and ensure the technical baseline is accurately reflected in procurement and PLM systems
• Builds processes, measures their effectiveness, and holds the organization accountable through structured audits and data-driven metrics
• Earns trust and drives results across engineering, supply chain, logistics, and quality teams without relying on formal authority
• Is detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable traveling to supplier facilities to evaluate manufacturing capabilities firsthand

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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits
• Opportunities for continued professional development and career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed