Material Specialist

❖ Position Summary

The Material Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the right materials are available at the right time to support engineering and prototype build activities. While build schedules and priorities are defined by Lab Managers or Technical Project Managers, this role focuses on material readiness, BOM validation, part tracking, and kitting coordination to enable successful execution of early-phase hardware builds. This is a hands-on, detail-focused role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments and can proactively align material planning, process improvements with dynamic engineering needs and changes.

❖ Key Responsibilities

Material Planning & Readiness

• Interpret engineering BOMs and build plans issued by Lab Managers and Technical Project Managers.

• Validate material availability, procurement status, and lead times to support upcoming builds.

• Identify long-lead items and initiate early planning to mitigate risks of shortages or delays.

• Monitor material readiness at the line-item level across multiple prototype builds.

BOM Analysis & Configuration Management

• Validate BOM accuracy, including alternates and deviations.

• Ensure BOM configurations are released and aligned with ECOs and build requirements.

Procurement Coordination

• Collaborate closely with GSMs and Logistics teams to track part deliveries.

• Follow up on outstanding purchase orders, expedite critical materials, and communicate risk items.

• Manage demand signals for one-off, low-volume, or specialty prototype parts.

Inventory & Material Tracking

• Monitor raw materials, incoming shipments, and warehouse allocations to confirm build readiness and avoid shortages.

• Track parts across internal inventory systems, labs, and staging areas.

• Flag shortages, discrepancies, and material issues to Lab Managers and Engineers in real-time.

• Resolve part shortages, misallocations, and production holds by coordinating corrective actions.

Kitting & Line Support

• Support the coordination of kitting activities based on the lab’s build plan and technician needs.

• Create and manage prototype Pick Orders/Production Orders in SAP.

• Create and update kitting lists or pull sheets; ensure kits are staged and labeled accurately.

• Respond quickly to technician requests for material pulls, replacements, or rework components.

Reporting & Issue Escalation

• Maintain clear and timely visibility of material status via Smartsheet trackers, Excel logs, or dashboards.

• Communicate critical shortages, material risks, and procurement blockers to stakeholders daily.

• Participate in prototype readiness meetings and provide updates on material status per build.

Change Control Support

• Follow up on Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and deviations that impact materials.

• Ensure updated parts are ordered, staged, and tracked appropriately.

• Maintain documentation of part swaps, substitutions, and rework to support traceability.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in initiatives to streamline material processes and eliminate inefficiencies.

• Recommend and implement the best practices for inventory control and material flow.

Why This Role Matters: Prototype builds are where innovation takes physical form. As a Material Specialist, your ability to plan and secure materials determines whether engineering ideas make it to the lab floor — and ultimately into product launches. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role for those who love to solve problems and keep things moving.