Procurement Specialist

About Us
Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.

How we work

Speed is part of our DNA. We’re building first-of-a-kind technology and facilities, which means the path isn’t always mapped. We’re comfortable with ambiguity: making sound, timely decisions guided by clear priorities, adapting quickly as we learn, and keeping a relentless focus on moving our business forward. We commit to fixed milestones on compressed timelines and hold ourselves accountable without compromising on safety or rigor.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Procurement & Logistics Specialist to own day-to-day procurement and end-to-end logistics management for Alta's lab operations and demonstration facility. Working under the Director of Commercialization Operations and in close coordination with the Supply Chain Manager and Supply Chain Analyst, you will be the operational backbone ensuring our lab personnel, demo operations staff, and facilities teams have the materials, equipment, and supplies they need, when they need them.

As a rapidly growing company, we face increasing supply chain complexity, including cold chain shipping, hazardous & dangerous goods shipping, customs documentation, and tariff management. You will manage purchase orders and supplier communications, coordinate complex logistics, provide backup support to other teams, and position yourself as a critical operational leader as Alta expands. This is a hands-on, tactical role where execution rigor, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability are essential. This is a full-time role based out of our Boulder facility. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Own day-to-day purchasing for lab and demo operations: create, process, track, and follow up on purchase orders for consumables, chemicals, equipment, parts, tools, and reagents; collect and compare quotes from multiple suppliers; manage supplier onboarding; confirm specifications, quantities, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate logistics and shipping across inbound and outbound operations: select carriers, arrange freight, manage delivery schedules, and optimize routing to meet operational timelines and reduce costs.
• Handle customs documentation, export/import compliance, and coordination with customs brokers for international shipments; ensure compliance with country of origin requirements and tariff regulations.
• Manage cold chain shipping requirements for temperature-sensitive materials, coordinating with suppliers and logistics providers to maintain proper handling and regulatory compliance.
• Support IATA dangerous goods compliance for hazardous material shipments; coordinate training, documentation, and regulatory requirements with suppliers and carriers.
• Execute purchase orders and service-based subcontracts within established company policies and applicable flow-downs; escalate supply risks, lead-time issues, and high-value negotiations to the Director of Commercialization Operations.
• Manage receiving processes, including inspection, verification against purchase orders, acceptance of deliveries, and troubleshooting shipping delays or damage claims.
• Maintain accurate receiving records, inventory logs, and material tracking systems; track inventory status and coordinate with lab, demo operations, and technical teams on material availability and upcoming needs.
• Maintain a database of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificate of analysis (COAs), customs, and other shipping related documents.
• Support bills of materials (BOM) maintenance and update material sourcing status and lead times in partnership with technical teams.
• Process invoices, reconcile shipments with purchase orders, and ensure timely payment in coordination with finance.
• Provide backup support to Facilities teams during periods of high activity or staffing absence; maintain familiarity with their procurement needs, supplier relationships, and processes.
• Interface daily with lab personnel, demo operations staff, facilities management, engineering teams, and the supply chain to align procurement with operational needs and provide accurate, timely reporting on procurement activity and spend.
• Monitor stock levels, perform cycle counts, and keep accurate records in warehouse systems. 
• Resolve delivery delays, track missing items, and file freight claims.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to move and lift materials up to 40-50 lbs regularly as part of receiving and inventory management duties.
• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in procurement, purchasing, order management, or supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated experience creating and managing purchase orders, processing invoices, and coordinating with suppliers.
• Hands-on experience organizing logistics, shipping, and receiving; familiarity with domestic and international freight management.
• Experience with customs documentation, export/import compliance, or trade compliance.
• Proficiency with ERP systems or order management software; strong data entry and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Detail-oriented with a bias for execution and accuracy in transactional and operational work.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot shipping, delivery, logistics, and supplier issues.
• Ability to travel to facilities in the Boulder and Denver area as needed for procurement, receiving, and logistics coordination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Logistics, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as APICS CPIM, CSCP, or ASCM certification.
• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, deep tech, biotech/industrial biotechnology, or critical minerals sectors.
• Familiarity with wet-lab chemistry and/or biology environments and their procurement and safety requirements.
• Experience with hazardous materials shipping (IATA, DOT) or cold chain logistics.
• Experience coordinating with technical and engineering teams on materials, specifications, and operational requirements.
• Experience managing inventory systems and materials tracking.
• Familiarity with customs brokerage, tariffs, or other trade compliance requirements.Experience in a startup or high-growth company.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting pay range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000 commensurate with educational background and work experience. 

Benefits include:

• 401(K)
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent) 
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company Holidays

Certain project activities require advance approval from the U.S. Government sponsor before individuals who are not U.S. citizens may participate. Alta will coordinate this process as needed.

EOE

Alta Resource Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe that varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our team and drive better outcomes for our clients and partners.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the business. Alta participates in e-Verify for all positions. 

If you require accommodations at any point in the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

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