Position Overview
The Procurement Engineer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for fiber optic cable assemblies and related components. This role ensures material availability, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and on-time delivery in alignment with production schedules and customer requirements typical of a contract manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Source and qualify suppliers for fiber optic components including:
- Optical fibers, cables, connectors (LC, SC, MPO, etc.)
- Ferrules, adapters, transceivers, boots, heat shrink, and consumables
- Develop and maintain approved vendor lists (AVL) in accordance with quality requirements
- Conduct supplier evaluations, audits, and performance reviews
- Identify alternate sources to mitigate supply chain risks
2. Procurement & Cost Management
- Prepare RFQs/RFPs and evaluate vendor quotations
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contracts
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through:
- Value engineering
- Volume pricing
- Long-term agreements
- Track commodity price trends and forecast cost impact
3. Materials Planning & Production Support
- Ensure timely procurement of materials to meet production schedules
- Collaborate closely with planning, engineering, and production teams
- Monitor inventory levels and avoid shortages or excess stock
- Support NPI (New Product Introduction) material readiness
4. Quality & Compliance
- Ensure procured materials meet customer, drawing, and specification requirements
- Support incoming quality issues, supplier corrective actions (SCARs), and root-cause analysis
- Ensure compliance to industry standards (e.g., Telcordia, IEC, RoHS, REACH)
- Maintain proper documentation such as COCs, MSDS, and test reports
5. Contract Manufacturing Support
- Manage customer-specified and free-issue materials
- Support cost roll-ups and BOM costing for quotations
- Maintain traceability requirements typical for telecom and datacom customers
- Support audit requirements (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, customer audits)
6. Data & Systems Management
- Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP/MRP systems
- Track KPIs such as OTD, PPV, supplier quality, and lead-time adherence
- Prepare procurement reports and dashboards for management review
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Industrial, or equivalent)
Experience
- 3–6 years of procurement or supply chain experience in:
- Fiber optics
- Electronics manufacturing
- Cable assembly or EMS environment (preferred)
- Experience in contract manufacturing is strongly preferred
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of fiber optic components and manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of BOM structures, drawings, and technical specifications
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)
- Proficiency in MS Excel and data analysis
Soft Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills
- Analytical and cost-focused mindset
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- High level of ownership and attention to detail
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Material availability / line stoppages
- Cost savings achieved
- Supplier on-time delivery (OTD)
- Supplier quality performance
- Inventory turns and excess management
