Senior Procurement Specialist (Procurement Specialist IV)

Fusion Energy Base; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Job summary

Princeton University/PPPL is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to manage cradle-to-grave procurement for research, supplies, services, and construction. The role emphasizes FAR compliance, complex subcontracting, and strong vendor management.

Ideal candidates bring a minimum of 10 years in federal procurement, outstanding negotiation skills, and the ability to navigate pre- and post-award activities within a laboratory environment. Hybrid work options may be considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of procurement experience in a Federal environment.
• Strong knowledge of FAR and government regulations.
• Experience with complex subcontracts including various cost types.
• Comprehensive procurement process expertise: market research, source selection, cost/price analysis, negotiation.
• Experience with Federal construction contracts is a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office/Google Suite.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and negotiation skills.
• High ethical standards aligned with Princeton University.

Responsibilities

• Cradle-to-grave administration of complex acquisitions for research, supplies, and services.
• Lead pre-award activities: SOWs, planning, market research, RFPs/RFQs, source selection.
• Negotiate and award subcontracts and purchase orders; manage supplier relationships.
• Post-award administration and ongoing vendor performance management.
• Participate in special projects as assigned by Procurement leadership.

Skills

FAR familiarity

Procurement negotiation

Contract management

Risk management

Vendor relations

Pre-award planning

SOW/RFP experience

Negotiation & cost/price analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

10+ years Federal procurement experience

Tools

MS Office/Google Suite

Job description

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is looking for a Senior Procurement Specialist (Procurement Specialist IV) (2 year Term Position) to join the Procurement Department to support the laboratory in various efforts. In this role, you will support lab-wide procurement activities which include products, services, research & development and maintenance, and construction. Promote a high degree of professionalism in procurement activities. Minimize risks to PPPL and the government, while meeting Procurement objectives, safeguarding Laboratory policies, and maintaining effective relationships with Department of Energy (DOE), Princeton University, and various Laboratory stakeholders. A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Responsibilities

• The Procurement Specialist IV is responsible for cradle-to-grave administration of complex commercial and non-commercial acquisition of research, supplies and services.
• Utilizes independent problem-solving techniques and skills, including managing procurement-requestor meetings to minimize procurement risk and promote value of the procurement process.
• Manages acquisition pre-award support including Statement of Work (SOW)s, Acquisition Planning and Strategy, Market Research, Request for Proposal (RFP)s/Request for Quotes (RFQ)s, Source Selection, and other pre-award documentation.
• Seeks quality goods/services at fair and reasonable prices to meet the Laboratory’s needs.
• Negotiates and awards complex subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Manages supplier relationships.
• Negotiates and awards purchase orders, subcontracts, task orders.
• Administers complex subcontracts including but not limited to various cost types (Cost-Plus fixed fee, Cost reimbursement, etc.)
• Maintains excellent file documentation, standard format and record retention consistent with PPPL Procurement manual for all procurements.
• Engages in post-award administration.
• The PS IV participates in special projects as assigned by the Director of Procurement and assumes the authority fully commensurate with assigned duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a Procurement Specialist (or similar role) in a Federal purchasing/procurement environment; Demonstrated experience within a Federal Government procurement office or CPSR (Contractor Purchasing System Review) environment; Relevant business experience with progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated experience with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and other applicable government regulations.
• Demonstrated experience with complex subcontracts to include various cost type agreements.
• Demonstrated experience in all aspects of the procurement process to include market research, source selection, cost/price analysis, negotiating in accordance with relevant procurement regulations and best practices.
• Experience with Federal construction contracts a plus.
• Knowledge of computer-based procurement systems; demonstrated skills using various software, Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google suite.
• Other strongly desired skills and traits include: Excellent verbal and written communications; results-oriented, self-motivated, independent decision-making and problem-solving, negotiation skills; and outstanding prioritization and multi-tasking skills.
• High ethical standards representative of Princeton University’s commitment to excellence are a must.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires occasional reaching, stooping and lifting of office files, reports and records, typically weighing 5 pounds or less.
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered which would allow the employee to perform the essential functions of this job.

Working Conditions

The individual needs to be located a commutable distance from the laboratory to come on-site as needed. Regular first shift, Monday–Friday; core hours average 8:30 a.m. – 5 PM. We are open to candidates who wish to be onsite, but we are also open to a hybrid work arrangement for the right candidate.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Salary Range $93,400 to $149,200.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Princeton University-PPPL job offers are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of a background check, reference checks, and pre-employment screening, as applicable.

All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.