Scientific Applications and Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of commercial companies and Government agencies. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real world problems with cost effective solutions… that work.
SARA is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and experienced Senior Procurement Specialist to support activities out of our Colorado Springs, CO location. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn, supporting talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs for our customers.
In this role the Senior Procurement Specialist will perform day-to-day purchasing and procurement functions for various systems and products. The selectee will impact all aspects of supplier communications, product pricing, quality, and schedule-building.
Core Procurement Responsibilities:
- Own purchase orders and subcontracts from requisition through closeout for materials, parts, services, and sometimes lower-tier subcontractors
- Solicit quotes, run competitive bids, and document source selection when competition is required
- Negotiate price, delivery, terms, and changes; issue purchase orders, amendments, and termination or stop-work notices
- Manage the open-order book: expedite, resolve shortages, track deliveries, and clear receiving discrepancies
- Recommend make-or-buy and single-source justifications when competition is not practical
- Verifying product requirements and coordinating material purchases for programs
- Reviewing purchase requisitions for clarity, compliance, detail, completeness, and obtaining additional information, if applicable
- Preparing purchase orders using Costpoint software
- Ensuring readiness of supplier documentation such as terms and conditions and NDAs prior to engagement
- Coordinating vendor returns for material issues
- Quoting and sourcing a BOM (Bill of Material) at the best price
Government-contract compliance
- Apply FAR, DFARS, and customer flow-down clauses to purchase orders (for example Truthful Cost or Pricing Data, counterfeit-parts rules, specialty metals, cybersecurity, small-business subcontracting, etc.)
- Classify buys correctly: commercial item, competitive, sole source, rated order, and orders with government-furnished property
- Build and keep the file for each purchase order that complies with a CPSR or DCMA review requirements; containing market research, competition record, price analysis or cost analysis, negotiation memo, flow-down checklist, and consent or notification when required
- Flow down the right clauses to suppliers and confirm they can meet them before award, especially on rated orders, export-controlled hardware, and cybersecurity (DFARS 252.204-7012 / CMMC-related requirements)
Supplier and risk management
- Qualify and maintain suppliers; track performance on quality, delivery, and responsiveness
- Identify counterfeit, obsolescence, and single-source risk on long-lead and flight or mission hardware
- Coordinate with quality, engineering, and contracts on first-article, source inspection, and nonconformances
- Handle export-controlled and ITAR/EAR purchases with the right markings, access limits, and supplier statements
Internal partnership
- Work with program managers and engineering on bills of material, need dates, and spec changes
- Work with contracts on customer consent, advance notification, and purchasing-system procedure
- Work with receiving, inventory, and finance on three-way match, accruals, and government property
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (will substitute years of experience in lieu of degree)
- 6 – 10 years of experience in government purchasing/procurement
- Experience with FAR/DFAR compliance
- Strong skills in Microsoft Outlook and Windows programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, and independently
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and analytical skills
- U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance
- May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 20 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10 – 12 years of relevant experience
- CPSR experience
- Active Top Secret DoD clearance
- Costpoint experience
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition and certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range:
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 (annualized US Dollars). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: December 4, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may substitute
- 6–10 years of experience in government purchasing or procurement
- Experience with FAR and DFARS compliance
- Strong skills in Microsoft Outlook and Windows programs, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and independently
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and analytical skills
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance
- Ability to perform light physical duties, including standing, sitting, using hands, and carrying or lifting up to 20 pounds
- 10–12 years of relevant experience
- CPSR experience
- Active Top Secret DoD clearance
- Costpoint experience
What We Do
Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc. develops specialized technologies and engineering solutions for defense and homeland-security customers. Its work spans radio-frequency and electromagnetic protection, pulsed power, acoustics, and threat warning, along with testing, modeling, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing. The company also provides measurement and analysis systems, RF shielding, and sensing-and-warning technologies, tailoring products and services to customer applications and operational needs.
