Procurement Specialist III in Torrance, California at OKSI

Position Overview

OKSI is seeking a Procurement Specialist III to manage the purchasing operations supporting mission-critical aerospace and defense programs. You'll own the full procurement lifecycle—from requisition through closeout—working with vendors to secure quality materials and services while ensuring FAR/DFARS compliance and maintaining audit-ready documentation. This role requires someone who can work independently, think strategically about sourcing, and keep meticulous records in a government contracting environment where compliance matters.

What You Will Do

Purchase Order & Vendor Management

• Own the complete PO lifecycle from requisition through delivery and closeout
• Identify, evaluate, and select qualified suppliers; manage ongoing vendor relationships
• Request, analyze, and compare competitive quotes; document pricing decisions
• Monitor supplier performance on delivery, quality, and responsiveness
• Resolve escalated issues involving late, missing, or defective materials
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders on order status and timelines

Compliance & Documentation

• Apply FAR/DFARS flow-down requirements to purchase orders based on funding contracts
• Maintain organized, audit-ready procurement files for every purchase
• Perform and document price/cost analyses to support sourcing decisions
• Prepare sourcing justifications and maintain complete procurement records
• Ensure all documentation meets government audit expectations
• Support compliance reviews and audit requests as needed

Sourcing & Analysis

• Develop sourcing strategies for new and recurring buys
• Conduct market research to identify qualified vendors
• Evaluate vendor capabilities, pricing, delivery, and financial stability
• Create written cost analyses and purchasing justifications
• Manage preferred vendor list and sourcing data

• 4+ years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience
• High school diploma required
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Unanet, NetSuite, SAP, or similar)
• Advanced Excel skills for spend analysis and data management
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS requirements and government procurement rules
• Able to perform and document price/cost analyses
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• U.S. person status (export control requirement)
• Ability to pass background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, procurement, or related field
• Government contracting or defense contractor background
• Experience with ITAR/EAR export control considerations
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS compliance and government contract administration
• Experience in aerospace or defense industry
• Familiarity with government audits and compliance documentation

Compensation and Benefits

• $25.50 - $33.50 hourly. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
• Medical, dental, vision fully paid
• 3 weeks vacation
• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
• Educational assistance