Materials Coordinator (ARL)

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in State College, PA seeks a Materials Coordinator to join the Supply Chain Department on-site. You will coordinate with suppliers, engineers, and program teams to obtain materials, monitor delivery and support RFQs/RFPs while ensuring inventory accuracy and compliance.

Ideal candidates have inventory control experience, MRP/ERP proficiency (Atlas), and strong organizational skills to manage documentation, reporting, and audit readiness in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination accepted.
• Certifications: None

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with suppliers, buyers, engineering, and program teams to obtain materials, monitor delivery schedules, and support RFQs/RFPs and vendor evaluations.
• Organize warehouses, stockrooms, and secure storage to maximize inventory accuracy and safety.
• Maintain electronic records for inventory management, procurement, property accountability, and audits.
• Work with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Procurement, Property Management, Security, QA, Finance, and Shipping/Receiving to resolve material availability and scheduling issues.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS/ITAR-EAR and university policies governing procurement and logistics.

Skills

Inventory & Material Control

MRP/ERP System

Documentation & Data Organization

Procurement & Supply Chain Basics

Organizational & Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Atlas ERP

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Materials Coordinator to join our Supply Chain Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Supply Chain Department is dedicated to keeping our researchers researching by providing bridges between researchers, the business office and suppliers. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will

• Support procurement activities by coordinating with suppliers, buyers, engineering personnel, and program teams to obtain required materials, monitor delivery schedules, resolve shortages, and support Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and vendor performance evaluations
• Ensure the organization of warehouses, stockrooms, and secure storage locations that maximize inventory accuracy, safety, security, material preservation, and operational efficiency
• Maintain accurate electronic records supporting inventory management, procurement, property accountability, shipping, receiving, quality assurance, and audit readiness; prepare reports and documentation supporting internal reviews and external audits
• Coordinate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Procurement, Property Management, Security, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Shipping/Receiving personnel to resolve material availability, logistics, inventory, and scheduling issues affecting project execution
• Ensure compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Government Property requirements, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), quality management standards, and University policies governing procurement, logistics, and material management
• May supervise staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, work assignment, performance management, and professional development

Required skills/experience areas include

• Inventory & Material Control Experience – Demonstrated background in physical/digital inventory management, receiving, issuing, cycle counting, and reconciliation in a manufacturing, lab, or engineering environment.
• MRP/ERP System Proficiency – Hands‑on experience setting up or operating an MRP/ERP system (item masters, BOMs, transactions, multi‑location inventory); ability to quickly become a power user in Atlas
• Documentation & Data Organization – Strong skills in digitizing, standardizing, and centralizing technical/inventory documentation (BOMs, build records, part numbering) with high attention to accuracy and traceability
• Procurement & Supply Chain Basics – Working knowledge of purchase requisitions, PO tracking, supplier/cost/lead‑time data capture, and vendor coordination.
• Organizational & Communication Skills – Ability to work cross‑functionally with engineers, supply chain staff, and government property personnel; capable of managing competing priorities during a high‑intensity setup phase

Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Preferred skills/experience areas include

• Government property/serialization tracking and compliance requirements
• Familiarity with PLM/TeamCenter or similar CAD‑linked data management systems
• Background supporting engineering or R&D programs (understanding of BOM‑to‑build linkage)
• Prior experience in a defense, aerospace, or government‑funded research environment
• Building or maintaining vendor databases within an MRP/ERP tool
• Cross‑training/backup role experience (supporting multiple programs or acting as a shared resource)

Your working location will be fully on‑site, located in State College, PA.

Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

This position may require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL: visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.

ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information.

Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas.

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $62,304.00 - $93,504.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.