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 proto@type 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.
What You Will Do:
Technical Procurement & Engineering Support
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 proto@type 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
Process Development, Measurement & Auditing
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
Supplier Management, Quality & Risk Mitigation
Monitor supplier performance and actively support supplier quality activities including audits, corrective actions, and first article inspectionsIdentify 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 proto@type manufacturing
Purchase Order Management & Logistics Coordination
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
Negotiation & Cost Analysis
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
Strategic Planning & Leadership
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 mattersProgram Execution & Administration
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
The Ideal Candidate
Is a technically strong mechanical engineer with hands-on experience supporting build-to-print and proto@type 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
Why Join Us
Work on high-impact DoD programs involving build-to-print and proto@type mechanical assemblies that challenge and grow your technical and procurement expertise
Collaborate with a team of talented engineers, procurement professionals, and senior leaders
Enjoy a highly autonomous work environment where your expertise and judgment are trusted and valued
Competitive compensation package including salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits
Opportunities for continued professional development and career advancement
Contribute to programs that support our national defense and make a meaningful difference
Qualifications
Required 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 proto@type manufacturing programs, preferably in a DoD or defense contracting environment
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs)
Experience managing engineering redlines, drawing updates, and revision control within a PLM environment
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
Demonstrated 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
Proven ability to create, implement, and audit processes, establish KPIs, and drive continuous improvement
Working knowledge of 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
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in aerospace, defense, or government contracting environments with a strong understanding of DoD program requirements and acquisition processes
Familiarity with FAR/DFARS regulations and government procurement requirements
Experience with Costpoint ERP system
Proficiency in SolidWorks for reviewing and interpreting 3D models and engineering designs in support of procurement activities
Professional certifications such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent supply chain/procurement certification
Experience supporting ITAR-controlled programs or working with export-controlled materials and technologies
Compensation & 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
Work Location & Requirements:
Location: remote
Work Schedule: Full-time
Travel Requirements: Travel to supplier facilities required for vendor evaluations, manufacturing process audits, and capacity and capability reviews 20-30% of time
Clearance Requirements: Active Secret security clearance required
Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
REQNUMBER: 2614477
SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
