Procurement Specialist

With the designing and manufacturing of hardware in-house, this role supports purchasing for electronic components, printed circuit boards and assemblies, mechanical and machined parts, lab and test equipment, and production supplies, while helping maintain the sourcing standards required of a Blue UAS Framework manufacturer.

Essential Functions:

Quote Gathering and Sourcing:

• Issue requests for proposals/quotes based on technical drawings, bills of materials, and specifications.
• Gather, analyze, and evaluate supplier proposals covering pricing, fulfillment timelines, minimum order quantities, and payment terms.
• Research and vet secondary suppliers for critical path, end-of-life, or single-origin parts.
• Assist in contract rate negotiations to secure volume discounts and blanket purchasing agreements.

Purchasing and Order Management:

• Generate and distribute purchase orders derived from authorized requests and material requirements planning.
• Verify order confirmations, unit pricing, and target arrival timelines directly with vendors.
• Expedite overdue and urgent shipments to mitigate potential disruptions in manufacturing and development.
• Collaborate with inventory teams and Finance to align purchase documentation, packing slips, and supplier billings.

Cross-Functional Support:

• Collaborate with Engineering regarding prototype purchasing, initial part onboarding, and design updates.
• Coordinate with Production and Inventory teams to align procurement priorities with operational timelines.
• Promptly report supply chain bottlenecks, extended lead times, and potential stockouts to key internal partners.

Compliance:

• Ensure procurement activities comply with Blue UAS Framework, NDAA Section 848, and origin sourcing mandates.
• Adhere to ITAR and EAR regulations when transmitting technical documentation to vendor partners.
• Gather and archive vendor compliance records, including certificates of conformance, RoHS, and REACH attestations.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate procurement records, pricing history, and delivery timelines.
• Support the continuous improvement of internal procurement protocols and operational standards.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Associate degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent practical background.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in purchasing, buying, or procurement roles, ideally within a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated background generating purchase requisitions and tracking orders.
• Experience working with an ERP/MRP system.
• Proven capability to solicit, analyze, and evaluate supplier cost proposals while maintaining vendor communication.
• Familiarity with evaluating bills of materials (BOMs).
• Proficiency using Google Workspace with strong spreadsheet skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills with rigorous attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities paired with strong negotiation aptitude.
• Proven capacity to drive results autonomously while contributing effectively to cross-functional team goals.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

• Prior background with federal procurement protocols and compliance frameworks, including Blue UAS, NDAA Section 848, ITAR/EAR, or DFARS.
• Demonstrated expertise purchasing electronic hardware, printed circuit board assemblies, custom wiring, or precision machined parts.
• Working knowledge of major component distributors alongside proven capability managing allocation constraints and extended lead times.
• Practical experience operating within ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management standards and vendor compliance systems.
• Active professional supply chain certification (such as CPSM, CPIM, or CSCP) or active pursuit of credentials.
• Prior background supporting operations within defense, aerospace, autonomous systems, robotics, or complex hardware manufacturing sectors.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for acquiring new skills in a fast-paced work environment.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand at a desk and view computer screens for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate computer and networking equipment.
• Ability to move through the production floor, stockroom and receiving areas to verify parts and orders.

Benefits:

• Overtime and bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Travel: Up to 10% for supplier visits and to support satellite locations. (Business travel and mileage expenses reimbursed per California Labor Code § 2802 / standard IRS rates).

ModalAI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state (FEHA), or local laws.