Senior Procurement Specialist (Procurement Specialist IV)

U.S. Fusion Energy; Princeton (CA); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist (Procurement Specialist IV) to join the Procurement Department and manage cradle-to-grave procurement for research, supplies, services, and construction.

The role emphasizes minimizing procurement risk, ensuring compliance with FAR and DOE requirements, and maintaining strong relationships with DOE, Princeton University, and lab stakeholders. Hybrid work options may be available.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Progressively increasing responsibilities in procurement roles.

Responsibilities

• Cradle-to-grave administration of complex commercial and non-commercial acquisition of research, supplies and services.
• Pre-award support including SOWs, Acquisition Planning and Strategy, Market Research, RFPs/RFQs, Source Selection.
• Negotiate and award complex subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Manage supplier relationships.
• Post-award administration and documentation.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Federal regulations (FAR) knowledge

Strategic sourcing

Vendor relations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Tools

Procurement systems

Microsoft Office / Google Suite

Job description

Senior Procurement Specialist (Procurement Specialist IV)

Requisition # 2026-22247

Date Posted 1 week ago(9/10/2026 11:48 AM)

Department PPPL Business Operations

Category Financial Services and Procurement

Job Type Full-Time

Overview

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. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

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

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. 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.

• Standard Weekly Hours 40.00
• Eligible for Overtime No
• Benefits Eligible Yes
• Probationary Period 180 days
• Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) No
• Physical Capacity Exam Required No
• Valid Driver's License Required No
• Salary Range $93,400 to $149,200

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.

PPPL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory. The DOE prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. 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.

Princeton University-PPPL is a residential community and an employer that operates continuously 24 hours a day. Essential services employees perform jobs that are necessary and required to maintain basic University operations during scheduled closures or unscheduled suspension of normal operations due to emergencies, events, or other situations. Essential services employees may be asked and/or required to perform jobs or duties that fall outside of their normal job classification during an emergency event. Learn more about our Essential Services policy.

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