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POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a Materials Coordinator to join our Supply Chain Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Supply Chain Department is dedicated to keeping our researchers researching by providing bridges between researchers, the business office and suppliers.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Support procurement activities by coordinating with suppliers, buyers, engineering personnel, and program teams to obtain required materials, monitor delivery schedules, resolve shortages, and support Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and vendor performance evaluations
Ensure the organization of warehouses, stockrooms, and secure storage locations that maximize inventory accuracy, safety, security, material preservation, and operational efficiency
Maintain accurate electronic records supporting inventory management, procurement, property accountability, shipping, receiving, quality assurance, and audit readiness; prepare reports and documentation supporting internal reviews and external audits
Coordinate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Procurement, Property Management, Security, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Shipping/Receiving personnel to resolve material availability, logistics, inventory, and scheduling issues affecting project execution
Ensure compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Government Property requirements, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), quality management standards, and University policies governing procurement, logistics, and material management
May supervise staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, work assignment, performance management, and professional development
Required skills/experience areas include:
Inventory & Material Control Experience – Demonstrated background in physical/digital inventory management, receiving, issuing, cycle counting, and reconciliation in a manufacturing, lab, or engineering environment.
MRP/ERP System Proficiency – Hands-on experience setting up or operating an MRP/ERP system (item masters, BOMs, transactions, multi-location inventory); ability to quickly become a power user in Atlas
Documentation & Data Organization – Strong skills in digitizing, standardizing, and centralizing technical/inventory documentation (BOMs, build records, part numbering) with high attention to accuracy and traceability
Procurement & Supply Chain Basics – Working knowledge of purchase requisitions, PO tracking, supplier/cost/lead-time data capture, and vendor coordination.
Organizational & Communication Skills – Ability to work cross-functionally with engineers, supply chain staff, and government property personnel; capable of managing competing priorities during a high-intensity setup phase
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Government property/serialization tracking and compliance requirements
Familiarity…