Procurement Specialist II - 1708

SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. (SARA); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life Insurance

401(k) match/profit sharing

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Tuition and certification reimburst

Job summary

Scientific Applications and Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) in Colorado Springs, CO seeks a Senior Procurement Specialist to manage government procurement for complex programs. The role emphasizes supplier management, source selection, and regulatory compliance under FAR/DFARS.

The successful candidate will negotiate with suppliers, coordinate with engineering and contracts, and maintain CPSR-ready files. DoD Top Secret clearance is required; on-site work in Colorado Springs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or years of experience substituted for degree.
• 6–10 years of government purchasing/procurement experience.
• Experience with FAR/DFARS compliance.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; highly organized and analytical.
• U.S. citizen capable of obtaining DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and work in an indoor office environment.

Responsibilities

• Own purchase orders and subcontracts from requisition through closeout.
• Solicit quotes, run competitive bids, document source selection.
• Negotiate price, delivery, terms, and changes; issue orders and amendments.
• Manage open orders, expedite, resolve shortages, track deliveries.
• Recommend make-or-buy justifications when appropriate.
• Coordinate material purchases and verify requirements for programs.
• Prepare purchase orders using Costpoint software.
• Ensure supplier documentation, NDAs, and terms are in place.
• Coordinate vendor returns and BOM sourcing at best price.

Skills

MS Outlook

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

DoD Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering

Tools

Costpoint

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Procurement Specialist II - 1708

Supply Chain - Procurement Full Time Colorado Springs, CO, US

Scientific Applications and Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of commercial companies and Government agencies. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real world problems with cost effective solutions… that work.

SARA is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and experienced Senior Procurement Specialist to support activities out of our Colorado Springs, CO location. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn, supporting talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs for our customers.

In this role the Senior Procurement Specialist will perform day-to-day purchasing and procurement functions for various systems and products. The selectee will impact all aspects of supplier communications, product pricing, quality, and schedule-building.

Core Procurement Responsibilities:

• Own purchase orders and subcontracts from requisition through closeout for materials, parts, services, and sometimes lower-tier subcontractors
• Solicit quotes, run competitive bids, and document source selection when competition is required
• Negotiate price, delivery, terms, and changes; issue purchase orders, amendments, and termination or stop-work notices
• Manage the open-order book: expedite, resolve shortages, track deliveries, and clear receiving discrepancies
• Recommend make-or-buy and single-source justifications when competition is not practical
• Verifying product requirements and coordinating material purchases for programs
• Reviewing purchase requisitions for clarity, compliance, detail, completeness, and obtaining additional information, if applicable
• Preparing purchase orders using Costpoint software
• Ensuring readiness of supplier documentation such as terms and conditions and NDAs prior to engagement
• Coordinating vendor returns for material issues
• Quoting and sourcing a BOM (Bill of Material) at the best price

Government-contract compliance

• Apply FAR, DFARS, and customer flow-down clauses to purchase orders (for example Truthful Cost or Pricing Data, counterfeit-parts rules, specialty metals, cybersecurity, small-business subcontracting, etc.)
• Classify buys correctly: commercial item, competitive, sole source, rated order, and orders with government-furnished property
• Build and keep the file for each purchase order that complies with a CPSR or DCMA review requirements; containing market research, competition record, price analysis or cost analysis, negotiation memo, flow-down checklist, and consent or notification when required
• Flow down the right clauses to suppliers and confirm they can meet them before award, especially on rated orders, export-controlled hardware, and cybersecurity (DFARS 252.204-7012 / CMMC-related requirements)

Supplier and risk management

• Qualify and maintain suppliers; track performance on quality, delivery, and responsiveness
• Identify counterfeit, obsolescence, and single-source risk on long-lead and flight or mission hardware
• Coordinate with quality, engineering, and contracts on first-article, source inspection, and nonconformances
• Handle export-controlled and ITAR/EAR purchases with the right markings, access limits, and supplier statements

Internal partnership

• Work with program managers and engineering on bills of material, need dates, and spec changes
• Work with contracts on customer consent, advance notification, and purchasing-system procedure
• Work with receiving, inventory, and finance on three-way match, accruals, and government property

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field(will substitute years of experience in lieu of degree)
• 6 – 10 years of experience in government purchasing/procurement
• Experience with FAR/DFAR compliance
• Strong skills in Microsoft Outlook and Windows programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, and independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills
• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 20 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10 – 12 years of relevant experience
• CPSR experience

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range:

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 (annualized US Dollars). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: December 4, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.