Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Procurement Manager-Supplier Development

Location: Stafford, VA (100% Onsite)

Industry: Defense Manufacturing

Salary: $90,000 - $125,000

Relocation is Provided

Must be a U.S. citizen or an active green card holder with the ability to obtain clearance

Position Overview

The Procurement Manager is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and  developing U.S.-based suppliers capable of producing build-to-print and build-to-spec components for highly specialized defense hardware. This is not a transactional buyer role; it is a technical, relationship-driven, problem-solving position that requires constant coordination between engineers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure manufacturability, quality, and on-time delivery.

You will act as the bridge between the engineering team and suppliers, helping translate technical requirements, resolve discrepancies in drawings, navigate missing data, negotiate timelines and costs, and drive first articles through to full-rate production.

This is a hands-on role suited for someone who can influence, negotiate, troubleshoot, communicate clearly, and maintain composure in a rapidly evolving environment with shifting priorities.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in procurement/supplier development within  defense, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, or build-to-print environments .
• Hands-on experience sourcing suppliers for electronics, PCBs, CNC  parts, machined metals, composites, 3D-printed, etc.
• Must have built-to-print and/or build-to-spec components for custom components
• Ability to read, interpret, and work with  engineering drawings, CAD models, BOMs, and technical data packages .
• Strong understanding of  first article processes , tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing methods.
• An  engineering background  is highly preferred.

Interpersonal & Communication Strengths

• Highly engaged, enthusiastic communicator who can build trust quickly with engineers and suppliers.
• Ability to lead discussions, ask probing questions, and drive clarity when information is incomplete.
• Skilled at engaging in technical dialogue, mediating between parties, and navigating conflicting viewpoints.
• Able to comfortably “turn up the energy” during conversations to foster strong relationships and maintain momentum.

Negotiation & Relationship Management

• Demonstrated success negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and resolving supplier performance issues.
• Experience influencing technical teams and vendors without formal authority.
• Adept at balancing supplier patience, engineering expectations, and program deadlines.

Problem-Solving & Adaptability

• Thrives in environments where technical drawings may incomplete or need revisions according to the supplier, requirements change frequently, and engineering teams rely on fast iteration.
• Ability to troubleshoot, escalate appropriately, and drive solutions under tight timelines.
• Comfortable working in a startup-like culture with constant change, unknowns, and evolving processes.

Compliance & Systems

• Familiarity with ITAR, FAR/DFARS, and defense procurement standards.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (MS Dynamics preferred).

What Success Looks Like

• You quickly build rapport with engineering teams and suppliers.
• Suppliers trust you enough to take late-day calls, expedite orders, or ship parts before receiving POs.
• Engineers rely on you to interpret supplier feedback, solve problems, and keep production moving.
• You can handle shifting requirements without frustration—and bring structure to ambiguity.
• You help Americanize the supply chain by onboarding U.S. suppliers capable of meeting strict defense standards.
• You demonstrate confidence, energy, and ownership in how you communicate and lead.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Identification, Qualification & Development

• Identify, evaluate, and develop  U.S.-based suppliers capable of producing complex components across PCBAs, CNC-machined parts, composites, 3D printed, and various other electronics or materials.
• Review technical data packages (TDPs), drawings, and CAD files to ensure suppliers understand requirements—even when data is incomplete or requires engineering clarification.
• Conduct supplier technical capability assessments, confirm certifications (ISO, AS9100, ITAR, etc.), and validate their ability to scale from prototypes to production quantities.

Technical Problem-Solving & Engineering Interface

• Serve as the  primary liaison between suppliers and engineering teams to resolve questions, design gaps, tolerance issues, missing specifications, and manufacturability concerns.
• Facilitate iterative back-and-forth communication on drawings, first articles, dimension changes, and engineering change orders (ECOs).
• Work collaboratively with engineers to translate feedback, clarify requirements, and ensure technical accuracy before and during production.

Procurement Strategy & Execution

• Source, negotiate, and manage supplier agreements, pricing, lead times, and terms & conditions.
• Oversee first article builds, track deviations, coordinate corrective actions, and transition vendors into stable production.
• Build long-term supplier relationships that enable rapid response to needs, rush orders, and trust-based support.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure alignment on schedules and program priorities.
• Communicate risks proactively, escalate technical challenges, and keep stakeholders informed as designs evolve.
• Help build scalable procurement processes, documentation, and supplier management structures for a rapidly growing U.S. operations.