Associate Specialist - Specialist - Electronics Group - Purchasing Department

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The Electronics Group within the Purchasing Department is responsible for negotiating and awarding purchase orders for IT hardware, software, electronic components, instrumentation, and related items to support the Institute and its clients (both government and commercial) throughout all phases of the procurement process.

• Solicits, negotiates, awards, documents and administers purchase orders to SwRI vendors to support SwRI Overhead and SwRI (Government and Commercial) projects, in accordance with SwRI General Purchase Order Terms and Conditions.
• Conducts market research and cost/price analysis to ensure the best source and a fair and reasonable price.
• Provides written documentation to support the purchases based on purchasing operation policies and procedures.
• Assists with the management of vendor performance, quality assurance and successful completion of contracted tasks.
• Resolves issues as they occur and performs other duties as necessary in accordance with SwRI Purchasing Policies and Procedures, accounting policies, FAR/DFARS and other federal regulations, Desktop guides and on the job training.

• Thoroughly reviews purchase requisitions to ensure accuracy and completeness including proper charge numbers and approvals, quality assurance, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements, etc.
• Issues requests for proposals as needed, ensuring compliance with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) business practices and Desktop Guide protocols.
• Conducts supplier sourcing as required, establishes new vendor relationships, and maintains accurate vendor contact information.
• Expedites orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Receives, reviews, and analyzes vendor proposals, working with suppliers to obtain necessary support documentation to show fair and reasonable pricing.
• Engages with vendors to discuss quality assurance requirements, negotiates terms and conditions, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Organizes and produces all documentation to support the purchases in accordance with Purchasing OPP and/or FAR/DFARS and other applicable federal regulations.

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field with related experience.
• 0-5 years:
  Experience with administering and justifying the price of Purchase Orders under government contracts; conducting detailed market research and performing comprehensive price or cost analysis, and meticulously documenting the results.
• Possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Direct experience in Purchasing is preferred.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills alongside strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Must exhibit a high level of motivation, meticulous attention to detail, and an energetic approach to job responsibilities.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Location s:
San Antonio, Texas

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Other

• Research Services

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