Purchasing Specialist

Aurora Launch Services; Anchorage, Northern (AK, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Launch Services, located in Anchorage, Alaska, seeks a Purchasing Specialist to manage procurement activities in compliance with FAR and Alaska procurement guidelines. The role includes supporting purchasing objectives, evaluating bids, and maintaining vendor records.

Occasional travel is expected, with a DoD security clearance requirement and mandatory background checks. The position combines procurement duties with general administrative support to ensure cost-effective and timely

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of commercial purchasing processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic environment with accuracy.
• Attention to detail and integrity in handling sensitive information.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Assists in procuring supplies, services, and equipment.
• Assists appropriate staff regarding purchasing objectives, quotes and scope of work.
• Assists in preparing solicitation documents and sources to be solicited.
• Assists in evaluating bids and proposals; supports source selection and debriefs.
• Reviews invoices for compliance with purchases.
• Maintains vendor files and supports receiving functions.
• Updates and tracks files and reports, ensuring file integrity and confidentiality.
• Manage office supplies inventory and coordinate replenishment.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, agendas, and calendars.
• Support document management, filing systems, and retention.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and presentations as needed.
• Serve as a point of contact for vendors and internal departments.
• Perform reception duties and phone answering service as required.

Skills

FAR knowledge

Regulatory interpretation

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Job description

Position Description: Under direction of the ALS Contract Manager, the Purchasing Specialist is responsible for managing procurement activities in strict compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other applicable federal and State of Alaska Procurement guidelines. This role ensures that all purchasing processes adhere to legal, ethical, and organizational standards while supporting cost-effective and timely acquisition of goods and services. In addition to procurement duties, the position provides general administrative support to maintain efficient office operations.

This is a full-time position be located in Anchorage AK, with occasional travel requirements (<5%).

Aurora Launch Services (ALS): Aurora Launch Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Aerospace, established to provide low cost, highly reliable launch services on a contract basis to both government and commercial space launch customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, co-located with Alaska Aerospace.

1. Assists in procuring supplies, services, and equipment.

2. Assists appropriate staff regarding the development of purchasing objectives, quote requests and scope of work as applicable.

3. Assists in preparing appropriate solicitation documents and determines sources to be solicited; provides solicitation documents and notices to vendors and contractors.

4. Assists in evaluating bids and proposals; source selection processes, debriefs unsuccessful offering vendors, compiles, validates and processes required documentation; within scope of authority or recommends to department staff approval as necessary.

5. Reviews invoices from vendors/contractors for compliance with purchases.

6. Performs a variety of administrative functions; prepares and updates reports, records and related documents to support receiving functions at AAC HQ; Maintains vendor files for auditing.

7. Updates and tracks a variety of electronic and paper files, records, reports, and related documents. Maintains file integrity and confidentiality by adhering to organizational policies and procedures. Assures the accuracy of the electronic and paper filing systems. Research files to obtain requested information, insert additional data, and check accuracy of documents.

8. Manage office supplies inventory and coordinate replenishment.

9. Assist with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and maintaining calendars.

10. Support document management, filing systems, and record retention in compliance with organizational standards.

11. Prepare reports, correspondence, and presentations as needed.

12. Serve as a point of contact for vendors and internal departments regarding purchasing and administrative inquiries

13. Perform reception duties and phone answering service as required.

Required Knowledge/Experience/Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of commercial purchasing processes.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with staff, customers, and the public in a variety of settings.
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic and complex environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of procurement experience with demonstrated knowledge of FAR compliance.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance; existing clearance preferred.
• Pre-employment background check and drug and alcohol screening required.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Aurora Launch Services to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Compensation

A competitive salary and benefits package, determined upon experience level of individual, will be negotiated after an offer to hire has been given.