<section class="styles--3vx-H" data-ui="job-description"></section> <section class="styles--3vx-H" data-ui="job-requirements"> <div> <p></p> <p>The Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring the raw materials, components, supplies, equipment, and services required to support ETI Precision’s manufacturing operations and calibration laboratories.</p> <p>This position manages purchasing activities from supplier sourcing and quotation through purchase order issuance, order follow-up, delivery, and resolution of purchasing-related issues. The Purchasing Agent works with internal departments and suppliers to ensure materials and services are available when needed and meet established requirements for quality, cost, delivery, and documentation.</p> <p>The position also supports purchasing requirements for ETI Precision’s calibration laboratory operations in Frederick, Maryland; Roanoke, Texas; and the Huntersville, North Carolina area.</p> <h3><strong>Essential Duties and Responsibilities:</strong></h3> <p>Procure raw materials, components, finished goods, equipment, supplies, consumables, and services required to support ETI Precision’s manufacturing and calibration laboratory operations.</p> <p>Review inventory levels, production requirements, forecasts, open orders, lead times, and operational priorities to determine purchasing needs and timing.</p> <p>Prepare, issue, and maintain accurate purchase orders, including specifications, quantities, pricing, delivery requirements, shipping instructions, and applicable quality or documentation requirements.</p> <p>Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and other commercial conditions.</p> <p>Monitor open purchase orders and proactively follow up, expedite, reschedule, or resolve issues that may affect production, laboratory operations, or customer commitments.</p> <p>Source and evaluate new or alternate suppliers and materials, monitor supplier performance, and address quality, delivery, responsiveness, lead-time, and cost issues to ensure continuity of supply and reduce supply-chain risk.</p> <p>Ensure purchased materials and services meet applicable technical, quality, traceability, certification, and documentation requirements.</p> <p>Maintain accurate procurement records, including supplier, item, pricing, lead-time, purchase order, and supporting documentation, within the company’s ERP or purchasing system to meet company, customer, quality, and accreditation requirements.</p> <p>Resolve purchasing-related issues involving shortages, receiving discrepancies, rejected or damaged materials, invoice variances, returns, credits, and supplier performance.</p> <p>Maintain professional and ethical relationships with suppliers and protect confidential company, customer, supplier, pricing, and technical information.</p> <p>Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.</p> <h3><strong>Required Qualifications:</strong></h3> <p>Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.</p> <p>Minimum of three years of experience in purchasing, procurement, materials management, supply chain, or a related field, preferably in a manufacturing, technical-service, calibration, or quality-regulated environment.</p> <p>Demonstrated experience preparing and managing purchase orders and working directly with suppliers.</p> <p>Ability to read and understand product specifications, bills of material, technical requirements, and supplier quotations.</p> <p>Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.</p> <p>Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing operational requirements and material shortages.</p> <p>Strong written and verbal communication skills.</p> <p>Proficiency with ERP or MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.</p> <p>High level of accuracy and attention to detail.</p> <h3><strong>Preferred Qualifications:</strong></h3> <p>Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.</p> <p>Purchasing experience involving metals, electronic or electromechanical components, machined parts, chemicals, packaging, or other technical materials.</p> <p>Experience supporting calibration laboratories, testing laboratories, or technical-service operations.</p> <p>Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, or similar quality-management and laboratory accreditation requirements.</p> <p>Experience with supplier qualification, supplier performance management, corrective actions, or audit support.</p> <p>Professional certification such as CPSM, CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent.</p> <p>Experience supporting purchasing activities across multiple locations.</p> <h3><strong>Physical and Work Requirements:</strong></h3> <p>Ability to work at a computer and communicate by telephone, email, and virtual meeting for extended periods.</p> <p>Ability to work in and around warehouse, production, and laboratory environments as needed to review materials, packaging, labels, documentation, and receiving issues.</p> <p>Ability to occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.</p> <p>Occasional travel to ETI Precision facilities, suppliers, or other business locations may be required.</p> <p>A