What Does a Procurement Engineer Do?
A procurement engineer is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and acquiring the technical materials, equipment, and services needed for engineering and manufacturing projects. They work closely with suppliers to negotiate contracts, manage costs, and ensure on-time delivery of goods that meet performance standards. Procurement engineers play a critical role in balancing quality, cost, and supply chain efficiency while keeping projects aligned with budget and timeline requirements.
In addition to supplier management, a procurement engineer uses their technical expertise to review engineering specifications, verify compliance with industry standards, and support quality control efforts. They collaborate with design, production, and project management teams to ensure that procured items meet operational and safety requirements. By combining supply chain knowledge with engineering insight, procurement engineers strengthen organizational efficiency and competitiveness.
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Procurement Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for technical materials and equipment
- Review engineering drawings and specifications to align purchases with project needs
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with vendors
- Monitor supplier performance for quality, delivery, and compliance
- Manage purchase orders and track inventory for project timelines
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance teams on procurement strategy
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry regulations
- Support continuous improvement initiatives in cost savings and supply chain optimization
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of supply chain management and procurement practices
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
- Proficiency with ERP and procurement software systems
- Knowledge of quality control standards and compliance requirements
Soft skills
- Strong negotiation and vendor relationship management skills
- Analytical thinking and cost analysis abilities
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Attention to detail and problem-solving mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or supply chain engineering required
Certifications
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) recommended
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) recommended
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred for process improvement roles
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or engineering roles
- Industry-specific experience in manufacturing, oil and gas, aerospace, or construction
- Familiarity with international sourcing and global supplier management
National Average Salary
Compensation is influenced by experience, industry, and project complexity. Bonuses and performance incentives are common when achieving cost savings or organizational efficiencies. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Procurement Engineer is:
$96,174
Sample Job Description Templates for Procurement Engineers
Entry-Level Procurement Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level procurement engineer to assist with sourcing technical materials, equipment, and services under the guidance of senior staff. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates who are interested in building a foundation in supply chain management and procurement within technical industries.
Responsibilities
- Assist in reviewing engineering specifications to identify procurement needs
- Research potential suppliers and gather basic vendor information
- Support purchase order preparation and tracking
- Perform preliminary cost comparisons for standard materials and parts
- Maintain procurement records and assist with data entry into ERP systems
- Follow safety, compliance, and organizational policies in all procurement activities
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of engineering drawings and specifications
- Familiarity with procurement and supply chain fundamentals
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic ERP software
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and take direction from senior engineers
- Strong organizational and detail-oriented mindset
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or supply chain engineering required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in procurement, supply chain, or engineering environments
Junior Procurement Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior procurement engineer to support supplier evaluations, cost analysis, and purchasing for technical projects. This role requires a solid engineering foundation with the ability to apply procurement principles under moderate supervision.
Responsibilities
- Assist in evaluating supplier bids and proposals
- Support negotiations for pricing and terms with vendors
- Collaborate with design engineers to ensure materials meet technical requirements
- Track supplier performance related to quality and delivery
- Prepare reports on procurement activities and cost savings initiatives
- Maintain updated records within procurement systems
Requirements
Hard skills
- Ability to read and interpret engineering documents and BOMs (bills of materials)
- Knowledge of supplier evaluation and procurement processes
- Proficiency with ERP and procurement software systems
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to manage tasks with moderate independence
- Clear communication across technical and non-technical teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or supply chain engineering required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of professional experience in procurement or engineering
- Exposure to Lean or Six Sigma practices
Mid-Level Procurement Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a mid-level procurement engineer to manage supplier sourcing and procurement processes independently. This role requires technical expertise to evaluate vendor compliance with specifications while ensuring cost efficiency and timely delivery.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and select suppliers for assigned materials and equipment
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery schedules with vendors
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement with project needs
- Conduct cost analysis and identify opportunities for savings
- Ensure supplier compliance with quality and safety standards
- Monitor and resolve supply chain issues impacting project delivery
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of procurement, supply chain management, and engineering principles
- Ability to analyze bids and contracts for compliance and competitiveness
- Proficiency with ERP systems and procurement tools
Soft skills
- Strong decision-making and negotiation skills
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities
- Effective collaboration with multiple departments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or supply chain management required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of procurement or engineering experience
- Experience working with international suppliers and logistics
Senior Procurement Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior procurement engineer to lead sourcing strategies for complex and high-value projects. This role requires advanced procurement expertise, strong supplier management skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers.
Responsibilities
- Lead supplier negotiations for high-value contracts and critical materials
- Develop procurement strategies that align with organizational goals
- Evaluate supplier capabilities and conduct on-site audits when required
- Mentor junior and mid-level procurement engineers
- Ensure compliance with industry, safety, and environmental regulations
- Collaborate with leadership to forecast procurement budgets and schedules
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in procurement strategy, supplier management, and contract negotiation
- Advanced knowledge of engineering specifications and compliance standards
- Proficiency with global sourcing and logistics practices
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Strong communication with executives and external vendors
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or supply chain engineering required; master’s degree recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain engineering
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or Six Sigma Black Belt
Lead Procurement Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a lead procurement engineer to oversee procurement functions across multiple projects, providing technical and strategic guidance to a team of engineers. This role blends hands-on procurement responsibilities with leadership and supplier relationship management.
Responsibilities
- Lead procurement efforts across multiple engineering projects
- Establish and maintain long-term relationships with strategic suppliers
- Approve contracts, supplier selections, and procurement documentation
- Train and mentor procurement engineers in best practices
- Monitor procurement KPIs and report performance to management
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in supply chain operations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of procurement engineering practices and supplier evaluation
- Ability to manage multiple projects and supplier portfolios
- Advanced skills in contract management and cost analysis
Soft skills
- Leadership and team coordination abilities
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Clear communication with internal leadership and external vendors
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or supply chain management required; master’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of procurement engineering experience, with team leadership experience
- Proven record of driving cost savings and process improvements
Procurement Engineering Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a procurement engineering manager to lead a department of procurement engineers, oversee supplier strategy, and align sourcing initiatives with organizational objectives. This role requires executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
Responsibilities
- Manage a team of procurement engineers across multiple projects
- Develop procurement policies, standards, and long-term supplier strategies
- Oversee departmental budgets, schedules, and resource allocation
- Ensure supplier performance aligns with company quality and compliance goals
- Collaborate with executives and department heads on strategic initiatives
- Drive continuous improvement, cost reduction, and innovation in supply chain practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in global sourcing, supply chain strategy, and procurement engineering
- Advanced knowledge of industry regulations, quality standards, and compliance requirements
- Strong financial and contract management skills
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to drive organizational change and innovation
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or supply chain management required; master’s degree or MBA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 12+ years of procurement engineering experience with 3+ years in management
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or PMP highly desirable
- Proven track record in developing and executing global procurement strategies