Purchasing Engineer

laborup; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) + Match

Company paid life insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

laborup is seeking a Purchasing Engineer to join a high-spec aerospace and defense manufacturing team. You will dissect engineering drawings, perform make/buy decisions, source materials, and bridge the gap between supply chain and the shop floor.

This hands-on role emphasizes ownership and growth toward advanced Manufacturing Engineering or Project Management. Ideal candidates read blueprints, negotiate effectively with suppliers, and thrive in a real machine shop environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent technical background.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specs.
• Familiarity with 2D/3D CAD software and machining understanding.

Responsibilities

• Technical Blueprint Review: break down customer drawings, BOMs, and statements of work to understand requirements.
• Make vs Buy Analysis: decide what to purchase, what to stock, and what to subcontract.
• Sourcing & Procurement: obtain quotes, negotiate pricing, and buy materials and services for high-tolerance projects.
• Estimating Support: assist during RFPs to calculate material costs and labor quoting.
• Supplier Management & Flow Down: ensure technical requirements flow to suppliers via POs.
• Quality & Compliance Tracking: monitor deliveries and coordinate PO reviews and inspections.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Material sourcing

Make vs buy analysis

Supplier coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

We're looking for a driven, hands-on Purchasing Engineer to join a high-spec aerospace and defense manufacturer. We don't just make parts; we build critical components for national security, and defense applications.

This role is the perfect launchpad for someone looking to grow their career in industrial, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering. You will get unmatched, hands-on exposure to a true manufacturing environment. You'll dissect engineering drawings, make critical make/buy decisions, source materials, and bridge the gap between our supply chain and the shop floor. We are looking for extreme ownership—someone who thinks with the end product in mind and takes pride in what we build.

If you have a great head on your shoulders, a desire to learn, and aren't afraid of the sights, sounds, and smells of a real machine shop, we can teach you the rest. This role is designed to be a direct pathway into advanced Manufacturing Engineering or Project Management roles for the right go-getter.

Compensation

• $75,000 - $105,000
• We recognize and reward hard work in real-time. If you come in, take ownership, and deliver value beyond your job description, we make compensation adjustments without waiting for an annual review.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) + Match
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid holidays and PTO (Vacation + personal time)
• Education Reimbursement

Responsibilities

• Technical Blueprint Review: Break down complex customer drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and statements of work to fully understand manufacturing requirements and specifications.
• Make vs. Buy Analysis: Collaborate with engineering and ownership to determine what materials to purchase, where to leave stock for machining, and what processes (like heat treating or finishing) need to be subcontracted.
• Sourcing & Procurement: Obtain quotes, negotiate pricing, and buy the correct materials and outside services required for high-tolerance defense and aerospace projects.
• Estimating Support: Work directly with ownership during the RFP process to calculate material costs, identify hidden testing requirements (e.g., helium leak tests, proof load tests), and ensure accurate labor quoting.
• Supplier Management & Flow Down: Ensure all technical requirements, quality standards, and documentation (like CMTRs and dimensional inspection reports) are accurately flowed down to suppliers on purchase orders.
• Quality & Compliance Tracking: Track supplier delivery schedules, coordinate with quality engineers for PO reviews, and follow up on receiving inspections to resolve any vendor deviations.

The Mindset (Required)

• Extreme Ownership: You don't just "buy materials" - you take accountability for the final product and understand the critical real-world applications of what we build.
• Shop Floor Readiness: You thrive in a hands-on manufacturing environment and appreciate the sights, sounds, and realities of a working machine shop.
• Growth-Oriented: You are eager to learn the intricacies of aerospace manufacturing, take on broad responsibilities, and build a long-term engineering career.

The Background & Technical Skills (Highly Preferred, but Trainable)

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or an equivalent technical background (Associate's degrees and recent/upcoming graduates are highly encouraged to apply).
• Ability to read, interpret, and break down complex engineering blueprints and specifications.
• Familiarity with 2D and 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Basic conceptual knowledge of machining, welding, or metal fabrication processes (academic or internship experience is perfectly fine).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable talking to suppliers, the shop floor team, and eventually, the customer.