Procurement Engineer

IKA – Laboratory, Analytical and Process Technology; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

IKA – Laboratory, Analytical and Process Technology in Wilmington, NC is seeking a Procurement Engineer to source, evaluate, and procure mechanical, electrical, and technical components for manufacturing and engineering projects.

You will review drawings and BOMs, qualify suppliers, negotiate terms, and drive cost reduction while ensuring supplier performance and on-time delivery in a fast-paced environment. A technical degree and 3–7 years of procurement experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical/industrial/manufacturing engineering or related field required
• 3–7 years procurement/sourcing experience in manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and strategic sourcing methodologies

Responsibilities

• Source and procure mechanical, electrical, and technical components for manufacturing and engineering projects
• Review engineering drawings, BOMs, specifications, and documentation to identify procurement requirements
• Identify, qualify, and develop new suppliers and maintain relationships with existing vendors
• Solicit quotations, evaluate supplier proposals, negotiate pricing, lead times and contracts
• Collaborate with Engineering to ensure materials meet design specs and performance requirements
• Work with Quality to resolve supplier quality issues and implement corrective actions
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, and cost competitiveness
• Analyze market trends and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing strategies
• Support new product development by sourcing components and evaluating manufacturability
• Maintain procurement data and supplier documentation in ERP systems
• Work with Production Planning to ensure materials availability for schedules
• Manage engineering change orders to align procurement with design revisions
• Drive cost reduction through supplier negotiations and alternative sourcing
• Participate in continuous improvement projects related to procurement processes
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures

Skills

Procurement

Supplier management

Negotiation

Cost reduction

ERP/MRP experience

BOM interpretation

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Procurement Engineer is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and procuring technical materials, components, and equipment required to support manufacturing operations. This role serves as the liaison between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and suppliers to ensure purchased prod-cuts meet technical specifications, quality standards, cost objectives, and delivery requirements. The ideal candidate combines engineering knowledge with strategic sourcing and supplier management experience to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

• Source and procure mechanical, electrical, and technical components in support of manufacturing and engineering projects.
• Review engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, and technical documentation to identify procurement requirements.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing vendors.
• Solicit quotations, evaluate supplier proposals, negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contracts.
• Collaborate with Engineering to ensure purchased materials meet design specifications and performance requirements.
• Partner with Quality to resolve supplier quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor supplier performance including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Analyze market trends, material costs, and supplier capabilities to recommend sourcing strategies.
• Support new product development by sourcing components and evaluating manufacturability.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier documentation, and procurement data within the ERP system.
• Work closely with Production Planning to ensure materials are available to support manufacturing schedules.
• Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and ensure procurement activities align with design revisions.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, value engineering, and alternative sourcing opportunities.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects related to procurement processes, inventory optimization, and supplier performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, purchasing procedures, and applicable regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field required.
• 3-7 years of procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Supplier management and contract negotiation experience preferred.
• Experience supporting new product development is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering principles.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and BOMs.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and strategic sourcing methodologies.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through.