Purchasing Engineer - Auburn Hill

Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentucky LLC; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company 0%

Paid time off and company holidays

Professional development and growth

Job summary

Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentucky (CATK) is seeking a Purchasing Engineer to drive cost-effective sourcing, evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance to meet technical, quality, and delivery requirements.

The role collaborates with Engineering on specifications, audits supplier capabilities, and optimizes the supply chain while using ERP systems like SAP, SRM, and CLM to ensure accurate data entry and seamless purchasing workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in strategic sourcing, purchasing, or engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Technical understanding of engineering drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PPT) and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Languages: Fluent English; Mandarin proficiency is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to broaden the supply base.
• Perform supplier risk assessment and performance monitoring.
• Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO) and lead negotiations to reduce costs.
• Collaborate with Engineering to define specifications, ensure feasibility, and conduct supplier capability audits.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage procurement contracts and purchasing agreements.
• Drive supplier improvement programs, material standardization, and supply chain continuity.
• Utilize ERP systems (SAP, SRM, CLM) for purchase orders, supplier data, and tracking.

Skills

Fluent English

Mandarin proficiency

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier relationship management

Strategic sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

SRM

CLM

MS Office

Job description

About Us

Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentucky (CATK) is the U.S. battery manufacturing subsidiary of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). CATL is a global leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced battery energy storage systems for electric vehicles, grid-scale, and maritime applications. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that support the global transition to clean energy.

Our Vision:

We seek an experienced, results-driven purchasing manager to join our team at CATK(Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentucky LLC )

The Purchasing Engineer is responsible for driving cost-effective sourcing strategies, identifying and evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier performance to meet technical, quality, and delivery requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Sourcing & Management: Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to broaden the supply base. Perform supplier risk assessment and performance monitoring.
• Cost Management & Negotiation: Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO) and lead negotiations to reduce costs (cost reduction projects).
• Technical Evaluation: Collaborate with Engineering to define specifications, ensure technical feasibility, and conduct supplier capability audits.
• Contract Management: Draft, negotiate, and manage procurement contracts and purchasing agreements.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Implement supplier improvement programs, drive material standardization, and ensure supply chain continuity.
• ERP/System Management: Utilize ERP systems (e.g., SAP, SRM, CLM) for purchase orders, supplier data, and tracking, ensuring accurate data entry.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, etc.), Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, purchasing, or engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Skills:
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Technical understanding of engineering drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PPT) and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Languages: Fluent English required; Mandarin proficiency is a strong plus

Typical Competencies

• Cost reduction mindset
• Supplier relationship management (SRM)
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma)

Compensation & Benefits

1. Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
2. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
3. 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
4. Paid time off and company holidays.
5. Professional development and growth opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CATK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. CATK reserves the right to modify, revise, or add job responsibilities as business needs evolve. Employment with CATK is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Export Control & Data Security Compliance

This position may involve access to sensitive systems or information subject to U.S. export control and data security regulations. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to comply with applicable laws and company policies related to data protection and controlled information access.