Purchasing Agent: 1st shift; Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm

Skills Inc•Auburn, WA

7d•$25 - $32

About The Position

Skills Inc. is seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent to procure goods and services, including raw materials, parts, outside processing, equipment, tools, and supplies. The role supports purchasing operations across departments and requires coordination with vendors, employees, and other teams to meet demand and maintain accurate procurement records. The position may involve visits to local vendors for audits or capacity and capability reviews, travel within the Puget Sound Region, and commuting between facilities as needed. Skills Inc. is a self-funded nonprofit and aerospace supplier with a social mission to train, employ, and serve people with disabilities and the community. Due to the company’s participation in the defense industry, access to certain sensitive information and materials is restricted by ITAR to US Persons as defined by law. The listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime as needed. The stated salary range is $25.00–$32.00.

Requirements

High school education or GED; or a one-year college or technical school certificate in purchasing/procurement, engineering, materials and methods, manufacturing technology, or business plus three years of purchasing experience in aerospace manufacturing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read, write, communicate, and/or follow written and verbal instructions in English through voice, American Sign Language, or adaptive technology.
Must meet the ITAR definition of a US Person to access sensitive information and materials pertaining to defense and military-related technologies.
Ability to travel within the Puget Sound Region.
Ability to lift or move up to 10 pounds occasionally.
Ability to use fingers, hands, and arms for grasping, pinching, pulling, feeling, typing, handling, and reaching.
Ability to use industry-standard personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge or experience working in an inclusive work environment, particularly with people with disabilities.
Advanced computer literacy in a Windows environment, including MS Office.
Familiarity with an MRP (Material Requirements Planning) system.
Knowledge of and ability to apply basic mathematical skills in the work environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to work with teams in a positive, cooperative, and assertive manner.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Experience in purchasing aerospace manufacturing, when applicable to the education and experience pathway described in the posting.

Responsibilities

Place purchase orders with vendors in a timely manner, as defined by the MRP system or purchase requisitions.
Communicate with vendors to obtain pricing, availability, lead times, and delivery schedules.
Communicate with employees who submit purchase requisitions to resolve issues.
Follow up on purchase order status to ensure timely delivery and support demand.
Maintain accurate and complete procurement records, including RFQs, bids, vendor communications, purchase orders, and purchase returns.
Coordinate with all departments to align purchasing activities with the team.
Research, recommend, and identify the capabilities of potential new vendors.
Assist with expediting parts and services as needed.
Monitor vendor performance for on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
Visit local vendors for on-site audits or capacity and capability reviews.
Assist in initiating corrective actions for poor vendor performance.
Help resolve receiving or billing issues.
Commute between facilities as needed to facilitate purchasing issues.
Follow prescribed work rules and standard safety regulations.
Work overtime as needed to meet job expectations.