Experimental Parts Procurement Coordinator

Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Contract Duration: 1-year, with possible extension, W2
Schedule: First shift, Monday through Friday
Pay: $26/hr
Visa Sponsorship: Sponsorship is not available now or in the future

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Experimental Parts Procurement Coordinator to support experimental manufacturing operations at a production facility in Des Moines, Iowa. This position coordinates material flow, inventory, manufacturing routings, fabrication programs, and part transfers to ensure experimental builds remain on schedule.

The ideal candidate will combine manufacturing experience with strong computer skills, intermediate Excel proficiency, the ability to interpret technical drawings, and experience with manufacturing and design systems.

Key Responsibilities 

• Coordinate the flow of experimental parts and materials across multiple manufacturing departments.
• Ensure production personnel have the parts and materials required to complete experimental builds.
• Create and edit manufacturing routings for experimental parts and builds.
• Generate programs used in fabrication operations.
• Review and interpret manufactured-part prints and two-dimensional technical drawings.
• Monitor production inventory and forecast future material requirements.
• Transfer stock between departments and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Communicate with internal teams regarding material availability and transfers.
• Coordinate with Supply Management regarding purchased parts and stock availability.
• Prepare and update daily and weekly reports using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Use Excel functions, including PivotTables and VLOOKUP, to organize, analyze, and report information.
• Troubleshoot part requests submitted by engineers.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving laser programs and manufacturing routings.
• Review critical shortage reports and expedite parts to avoid production interruptions.
• Investigate material shortages, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Process transactions involving inbound and outbound materials as needed.
• Coordinate the movement of rejected or nonconforming materials back to the appropriate source.
• Audit material replenishment cycles and inventory accuracy.
• Assist with developing material replenishment plans.
• Support engineering releases and change-management activities affecting materials or production.
• Occasionally design or model simple parts for use within the manufacturing facility.
• Provide work direction to material handlers, stock chasers, or other hourly production-support personnel when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Pre-Engineering, Manufacturing or Engineering Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including:
  • PivotTables
  • VLOOKUP
• Strong overall Microsoft Office and computer skills.
• Ability to read and interpret two-dimensional drawings, prints, and technical documentation.
• Experience with CREO and AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with SAP and Power BI.
• Knowledge of inventory-management and material-control practices.
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to identify problems, investigate root causes, and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and diligent approach to work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Computer-Aided Design, or a related field.
• Knowledge of sheet metal and other fabrication processes.
• Experience creating or modifying manufacturing routings.
• Experience with fabrication or laser-programming software.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on manufacturing knowledge.
• Experience supporting experimental, prototype, or new-product builds.
• Familiarity with Lantek or Radan.

Tools and Systems

• Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables and VLOOKUP
• Microsoft Office
• SAP
• CREO
• AutoCAD
• Power BI
• Lantek
• Radan

Key Skills

• Experimental Parts Coordination
• Manufacturing Routings
• Material Procurement and Expediting
• Production Inventory Management
• Material Transfers
• Inventory Accuracy
• Technical Drawing and Print Interpretation
• Fabrication Program Support
• Manufacturing Troubleshooting
• Root-Cause Analysis
• Production Reporting
• Cross-Functional Communication
• Engineering Change Support

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