Contract Research Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Full Time Colorado Springs, CO, US

Scientific Applications & 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 & Government organizations. 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 Procurement Supervisor to support activities out of our Colorado Springs location. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn, supervise a team of buyers, supporting talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs for our customers.

• Supporting procurement for electrical and mechanical parts
• Creating and verifying BOMs (Bills of Materials)
• Supervising, mentoring, and training the team of buyers as the direct supervisor to the Procurement team
• Verifying product requirements and coordinating material purchases for programs
• Reviewing purchase requisitions for clarity, compliance, detail, completeness, and obtaining additional information, if applicable
• Generating final form purchase orders for approvals and signatures
• Maintaining supplier files and purchase order records in accordance with established policies, procedures, and audit guidelines to ensure compliance throughout procurement cycles
• Actively managing procurement processes from order placement, receipt of products, and subsequent payment of invoices
• Working with supplier’s approval process team to help select vendors
• Preparing purchase orders using Costpoint software
• Ensuring readiness of supplier documentation such as terms and conditions and NDAs prior to engagement
• Managing supplier orders and monitoring backlogs and daily order status reports, adjusting schedules as needed
• Managing/modifying POs with overdue shipments and open orders
• Working with logistics team ensuring timely and economical deliveries of all materials to production locations
• Ensuring purchasing, storage, and transportation of materials requirements are all adhered to.
• Resolving discrepancies related to purchasing, delivery, receiving, accounts payable invoices, and supplier payments
• Facilitates expedited materials for shortage management, when necessary
• Coordinating vendor returns from materials inspected from receiving that possess discrepancies
• Sourcing the listed parts on a BOM (Bill of Materials) at the best price and creating requisitions
• Understanding part specifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field(will substitute years of experience)
• 8 – 12 years of experience in purchasing/procurement
• 5 – 7 years of team supervision experience with directly reporting employees, verifying time sheets, conducting reviews, training, mentoring, directing work, assigning tasks, etc.
• Experience with FAR/DFAR compliance
• Thorough experience and deep knowledge of BOMs (Bills of Material), their use, development, and creation, including conducting market research to provide accurate cost quotations and interfacing with Program Managers and Vendors for the necessary information
• Strong knowledge of CPSR regulations (or ability to master after hire) and government procurement processes
• 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 Security clearance if requested
• 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

• 12 – 15 years of relevant experience
• Spend Logic experience

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

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 $90,000 to $110,000 (annualized USD). 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: August 18, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.