Materials Coordinator (ARL)

Materials CoordinatorWe are searching for a Materials Coordinator to join our Supply Chain Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Supply Chain Department is dedicated to keeping our researchers researching by providing bridges between researchers, the business office and suppliers.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Support procurement activities by coordinating with suppliers, buyers, engineering personnel, and program teams to obtain required materials, monitor delivery schedules, resolve shortages, and support Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and vendor performance evaluationsEnsure the organization of warehouses, stockrooms, and secure storage locations that maximize inventory accuracy, safety, security, material preservation, and operational efficiencyMaintain accurate electronic records supporting inventory management, procurement, property accountability, shipping, receiving, quality assurance, and audit readiness; prepare reports and documentation supporting internal reviews and external auditsCoordinate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Procurement, Property Management, Security, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Shipping/Receiving personnel to resolve material availability, logistics, inventory, and scheduling issues affecting project executionEnsure compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Government Property requirements, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), quality management standards, and University policies governing procurement, logistics, and material managementMay supervise staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, work assignment, performance management, and professional developmentRequired skills/experience areas include:Inventory & Material Control Experience – Demonstrated background in physical/digital inventory management, receiving, issuing, cycle counting, and reconciliation in a manufacturing, lab, or engineering environment.MRP/ERP System Proficiency – Hands-on experience setting up or operating an MRP/ERP system (item masters, BOMs, transactions, multi-location inventory); ability to quickly become a power user in AtlasDocumentation & Data Organization – Strong skills in digitizing, standardizing, and centralizing technical/inventory documentation (BOMs, build records, part numbering) with high attention to accuracy and traceabilityProcurement & Supply Chain Basics – Working knowledge of purchase requisitions, PO tracking, supplier/cost/lead-time data capture, and vendor coordination.Organizational & Communication Skills – Ability to work cross-functionally with engineers, supply chain staff, and government property personnel; capable of managing competing priorities during a high-intensity setup phaseCurrent eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if requiredPreferred skills/experience areas include:Government property/serialization tracking and compliance requirementsFamiliarity with PLM/TeamCenter or similar CAD-linked data management systemsBackground supporting engineering or R&D programs (understanding of BOM-to-build linkage)Prior experience in a defense, aerospace, or government-funded research environmentBuilding or maintaining vendor databases within an MRP/ERP toolCross-training/backup role experience (supporting multiple programs or acting as a shared resource)Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

This position may require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: NoneThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $62,304.00 - $93,504.00.Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.