Purchaser

Purchaser 

Parallel Systems is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive purchaser to drive the procurement of materials, components, and services essential to building and operating our autonomous rail vehicles. This role will work closely with engineering, operations, and finance teams to ensure timely ordering and delivery of goods, proper accounting of orders and deliveries, and strong relationships with vendors. The ideal candidate has experience executing procurement functions for a mixture of materials. Inco terms, purchasing tools, and thrives in a fast-paced hardware environment. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Request quotes for mechanical, electrical, and custom components to support prototype and production builds. 
• Request quotes and/or maintain price lists for maintenance, repair, and operations items, as well as project-based capital and non-capital equipment 
• Review quotes and negotiate payment and delivery terms. 
• Issue and manage purchase orders, follow up with vendors to ensure on-time delivery and accurate documentation 
• Coordinate shipment of materials and associated documentation. 
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance to understand BOM and, lead time requirements. 
• Track receipt of orders to clear POs for payment when matched to invoices. 
• Track and manage vendor performance, proactively address delivery risks, and receive & inspect materials 
• Maintain accurate records, and documentation of all orders. 
• Support supplier onboarding, qualification, and negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and reliability 
• Recommend and implement process improvements in procurement and supply chain workflows 
• Assist with freight coordination, customs documentation, and logistics as needed 

What Success Looks Like: 

• In 30 Days: Issue POs for current hardware needs and familiarize yourself with our purchasing system, manufacturing processes, and supplier base 
• In 60 Days: Take ownership of purchasing for designated systems or categories and begin streamlining procurement workflows 
• In 90 Days: Fully manage end-to-end procurement for upcoming builds with optimized vendor terms, improved lead times, and documented INCO compliance 

Basic Qualifications: 

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles in a hardware, construction, or manufacturing environment 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with part tracking and documentation 
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and managing multiple priorities 
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with international shipments, customs clearance, and INCO terms. 
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, robotics, or other hardware-focused industries 
• Proven track record sourcing a mix of mechanical and electrical components 
• Familiarity with design drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications 
• Hands-on experience with low-volume, fast-turn procurement for prototyping 
• Background in cost analysis and supplier contract negotiation