Job Title: Product Sourcing EngineerJob DescriptionThis Product Sourcing Engineer role leads sourcing and supply chain efforts for advanced warfighter systems that connect robots, humans, and sensors across multiple domains. You will drive supplier engagement, cost engineering, and manufacturing readiness for high-tech, high-mix, low-volume products that support time-sensitive, mission-critical operations. The position offers the opportunity to influence a critical defense program, working in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge technology solutions to military customers while supporting the companys strategic growth in the defense sector.
Responsibilities
- Conduct supplier selection for specific products using the approved supplier list and ensure alignment with technical and commercial requirements.
- Partner with strategic suppliers to accelerate product development through activities such as concept scoping, feature trade-off analysis, and creation of trade tables.
- Develop and utilize should-cost and clean-sheet models to inform sourcing decisions, cost targets, and supplier negotiations.
- Lead joint design development with suppliers by creating clear and detailed statements of work that define scope, deliverables, and timelines.
- Drive the development and consolidation of a manufacturing bill of materials (BOM) in collaboration with Quality and Manufacturing teams to support flexible production ramp-up internally and with suppliers.
- Take accountability for all new product introduction (NPI) component procurement, ensuring materials are sourced on time, in the correct quantities, and at the appropriate quality to scale production.
- Manage capital expenditures (CAPEX) throughout the NPI phase, ensuring investments support program objectives and cost targets.
- Conduct value-stream mapping to optimize the supply network for reduced lead time, increased flexibility, and improved responsiveness.
- Complete comprehensive BOM risk assessments, including identification of alternate components and secondary sources to mitigate supply risk.
- Ensure all vendor component qualifications are completed ahead of production, coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders to meet program schedules.
- Reduce product and supply chain complexity by driving commonality optimization and rationalizing components and suppliers where possible.
- Lead all cost engineering activities to align bottoms-up cost models with target product costs, maximizing total cost of ownership (TCO) across the product lifecycle.
- Manage ad hoc cost issues such as tariffs, import and export costs, and cost inflation, and propose mitigation strategies.
- Engage suppliers early in the development process, ahead of final product and engineering requirement realization, to influence design and cost outcomes.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, program management, finance, and operations teams to balance technical performance, cost, schedule, and risk.
- Navigate complex contractual landscapes, including contracting processes and program management stages, to manage program impacts across multiple stakeholders.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on sourcing status, risks, and mitigation plans.
- Support both hardware and software-related aspects of product development as they relate to sourcing and supplier engagement.
- Contribute to the design and implementation of best practices that improve operational efficiency, cost performance, and sustainable growth within the sourcing function.
Essential Skills
- At least 5 years of experience in product development or sourcing, ideally with a background in the design and development of electronics and/or mechanical devices.
- Proven experience in advanced sourcing activities, including roles as a commodity manager or sourcing manager.
- Hands-on experience in supplier development across technology, process, and supply chain dimensions.
- Demonstrated success with early supplier engagement prior to finalization of product and engineering requirements.
- Domain expertise in value engineering, procurement engineering, or total cost of ownership (TCO) work at both component and product levels.
- Familiarity with developing high-tech products in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
- Strong understanding of contracting processes and the stages of program management.
- Ability to navigate complex contractual landscapes and manage program impacts across multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
- Strong financial management skills, including budget development, cost tracking, and cost-control initiatives.
- Bachelors degree in engineering, such as mechanical engineering (BSME), electrical engineering (BSEE), or a related technical discipline (preferred).
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
- Experience with supplier negotiation, procurement, and RFx (request for information, proposal, or quotation) processes.
- Engineering background that includes working with electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics, and mechanical devices.
- Ability to read CAD drawings and interpret engineering documentation.
- Experience in cost engineering, including should-cost modeling and clean-sheet cost analysis.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Proven track record in designing and implementing best practices that drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
- Experience working across both hardware and software development lifecycles, particularly in integrated systems.
- Project management experience, including planning, scheduling, risk management, and cross-functional coordination.
- PMP certification or equivalent project management credential (preferred).
- Familiarity with CAD tools and product lifecycle management systems such as Teamcenter.
- Experience working with components and products from concept through production, including design-for-manufacturability and design-for-cost considerations.
- Comfort working in fast-paced, complex environments where priorities can shift and multiple programs run in parallel.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and drive fact-based decisions.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 25% as needed for supplier visits, reviews, and program support.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based in an office environment in Bellevue and supports advanced defense technology programs. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, program management, and finance teams, as well as external suppliers and partners. The work focuses on high-tech, high-mix, low-volume products that integrate hardware, electronics, and software for mission-critical applications. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on precision, accountability, and meeting time-sensitive program milestones. You can expect regular interaction with digital engineering tools, CAD data, and product lifecycle management systems, along with structured program and sourcing processes aligned to defense-sector standards. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bellevue, WA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bellevue, WA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Bellevue,WA.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.