Procurement Specialist

Q MICROWAVE; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Q Microwave in El Cajon, CA is seeking a Procurement Specialist to convert production demand into purchase orders, manage supplier commitments, and ensure on-time delivery for direct materials and components.

The role requires collaboration with Planning, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to optimize cost, quality, and delivery while maintaining compliance with AS9100 and export controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or certificate in supply chain management or related field.
• 3+ years of progressive purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Experience managing purchase orders from requisition to receipt including expedited/rescheduled orders.

Responsibilities

• Review demand and generate purchase requisitions from work orders and schedules.
• Negotiate price, lead time and terms with vendors.
• Manage open purchase orders and supplier follow-ups to ensure on-time delivery.
• Develop supplier relationships and monitor performance to ensure quality and compliance.
• Monitor supplier risk and lead recovery actions for shortages or late deliveries.
• Support AS9100, export-control, cybersecurity, and counterfeit‑part requirements in coordination with Quality/Compliance.
• Collaborate with Stockroom and Shipping to resolve receipt/inspection issues.
• Analyze spend, turn of data and supplier performance to identify improvements.
• Participate in daily reviews and supplier performance meetings.

Skills

Excel skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting‑edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a Procurement Specialist to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast‑paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies—technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol’s global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world’s largest interconnect solution providers

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for the timely, cost‑effective, and compliant procurement of direct materials, components, outside processing, and assigned indirect goods and services. The position converts production and engineering demand into executable purchase orders, obtains supplier commitments, manages open orders, and resolves shortages before they affect customer delivery.

This role works closely with Planning, Production, Engineering, Quality, Stockroom, Shipping & Receiving, Finance, and suppliers.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Review MRP/ERP demand and generate purchase requisitions based on work orders, production schedules, inventory levels, and lead times. prioritize purchasing activities; issue accurate purchase orders and obtain supplier confirmations in a timely manner.
• Negotiate price, lead time, quantities, and commercial terms with vendors
• Manage open purchase orders and supplier follow‑up to expedite, de‑expedite, reschedule, cancel, or adjust orders based on business needs.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while managing supplier performance, AVL records, and cross‑functional coordination with Quality and Engineering to ensure delivery, quality, responsiveness, and compliance with contractual requirements.
• Monitor and mitigate supplier risk by addressing late deliveries, quality issues, shortages, and nonconforming material; lead recovery actions, corrective actions, and alternate‑source strategies to protect supply continuity.
• Support applicable AS9100, customer, export‑control, cybersecurity, counterfeit‑part, and supplier flow‑down requirements in coordination with Quality and Compliance.
• Work with Stockroom and Shipping & Receiving to resolve receipt, inspection, quantity, documentation, and dock‑to‑stock issues.
• Analyze spend, purchase‑price variance, lead‑time, supplier performance, expedite activity, and inventory exposure to identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in daily operating reviews, shortage meetings, supplier reviews, inventory initiatives, and continuous‑improvement activities.

What We're Looking For:

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree/Certificate in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of progressive purchasing, procurement, or strategic‑buying experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage purchase orders from requisition through receipt, including supplier confirmations, expedites, reschedules, and issue resolution.
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, inventory fundamentals, production planning interfaces, and supplier performance management.
• Strong Excel skills, including filtering, pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, and clear reporting.
• Ability to access export‑controlled information when required by the position, subject to applicable laws and company authorization processes.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of ERP MRP systems, DBA or EVO DBA preferred.
• Procurement experience in aerospace, defense, electronics, RF/microwave, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with AS9100, FAR/DFARS flow‑downs, ITAR/EAR considerations, counterfeit‑part prevention, and supplier quality requirements.
• APICS CPIM/CSCP, ISM CPSM, or related supply‑chain certification.
• Effective written and verbal communication driving collaboration and teamwork throughout the organization

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs. of test equipment with assistance.
• Fast‑paced environment with frequent interaction with supervisors.
• Comfortable working on your feet in a production environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a collaborative environment with growth opportunities.
• Be part of a supportive team focused on quality and efficiency.
• The work Schedule is a Standard 9/80 @ 7am-4:30pm. With every other Friday off.
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Summary

This position is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers in manufacturing and production. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.