Purchasing Engineer

At Grand Rapids Controls (GRC), we don’t just build components, we build solutions that power motion control systems around the world. As we continue to grow under our theme of One Team. Stable Foundation. Sustainable Growth., we’re looking for a technically strong Purchasing Engineer who can own supplier strategy and confidently engage in engineering-level conversations.

If you enjoy digging into part design, solving supplier challenges, and working hands-on with both manufacturing processes and cost drivers ... this is a role where you’ll stay challenged and make a real impact.

Why This Role Matters

This isn’t a traditional purchasing role. You won’t just move quotes ... you’ll understand the product, challenge assumptions, and work directly with suppliers to solve technical and cost challenges.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring we have the right suppliers, at the right cost, delivering the right quality while helping drive smarter engineering and sourcing decisions across the business.

What You’ll Do

Technical Sourcing & Supplier Partnership

• Lead supplier sourcing, selection, and qualification for new and existing programs
• Engage directly with suppliers on technical discussions such as prints, tolerances, materials, and manufacturability
• Work through design and process challenges with suppliers to find practical, cost-effective solutions
• Build strong supplier relationships while holding them accountable for performance

Engineering-Focused Cost Management

• Analyze supplier quotes for technical accuracy, feasibility, and cost drivers - not just price
• Participate in Quote Review Board (QRB) meetings with a strong technical voice
• Lead negotiations with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and cost levers
• Drive value engineering and cost reduction through design, material, and process improvements

Cross-Functional Collaboration (Hands-On)

• Partner directly with Engineering, Quality, and Operations not just as a go-between, but as a technical contributor
• Support new product launches by aligning supplier capability with design requirements
• Challenge designs and supplier approaches when needed to improve cost, quality, or manufacturability

Performance & Execution

• Manage purchasing KPIs including PPV, budget adherence, and cost performance
• Oversee supplier releases and ensure alignment with production needs
• Identify and proactively address supply chain risks, technical gaps, and bottlenecks

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering strongly preferred (or equivalent technical experience/related field)
• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain within manufacturing
• Strong technical aptitude: ability to read prints, understand tolerances, and discuss manufacturing processes confidently
• Proven experience negotiating with suppliers using both technical and cost knowledge
• High proficiency in Excel and data analysis
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to challenge and improve

Technical Experience (Preferred)

Experience working with or sourcing components in:

• Injection molding

• Die casting

• Stamping

• Screw machining

• Cold heading / formed components

What Sets You Apart

• You don’t just pass information - you solve problems
• You can sit across from a supplier and talk through a print or process confidently
• You understand how design decisions impact cost and manufacturability
• You’re comfortable challenging both suppliers and internal teams when needed
• You take ownership and drive results

What You’ll Get

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Stable, growing company with long-term opportunities
• Hands-on, collaborative environment with Engineering and Operations
• Opportunity to directly impact cost, quality, and supplier performance
• A company that values accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement

Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Operations, and suppliers, using both technical knowledge and data to drive decisions.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re a technically-minded problem solver who wants to move beyond traditional purchasing and make a real impact - we’d love to hear from you.