<p>We are looking for a detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to support engineering and business purchasing activities in Santa Barbara, California. This Contract position focuses on coordinating purchase requests, monitoring budgets, maintaining vendor records, and partnering with finance and accounting teams to keep procurement operations accurate and efficient. The ideal candidate brings strong spreadsheet skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.</p><p><br></p><p>Responsibilities:</p><p>• Coordinate purchasing activities for engineering teams and other internal stakeholders, ensuring requests are processed accurately and on schedule.</p><p>• Maintain up-to-date spending records by cost center and support budget tracking for lab, prototype, and exploratory work.</p><p>• Support supplier onboarding by gathering required documentation, facilitating approvals, and helping negotiate commercial terms when needed.</p><p>• Review invoices for accuracy and work closely with accounts payable to resolve discrepancies and enable timely payment.</p><p>• Administer software license purchases and renewals, including distribution, usage tracking, and renewal planning.</p><p>• Assist accounting with month-end close activities such as accrual support and related purchasing documentation.</p><p>• Reconcile purchasing card transactions and prepare monthly expense reporting with complete and accurate records.</p><p>• Contribute to recurring budget planning and forecasting efforts in partnership with finance, providing current purchasing data and spend visibility</p>

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.<br>• At least 1 year of experience in purchasing, accounting, operations, or a similar business support function.<br>• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and confidence using spreadsheets for tracking, analysis, and reporting.<br>• Experience with procurement systems or purchasing management tools.<br>• Ability to organize competing priorities, manage deadlines, and maintain accuracy across multiple transactions.<br>• Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with vendors and cross-functional internal teams.<br>• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities, with careful attention to detail and process compliance.

<p>Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.</p> <p>Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app" target="_blank">Download the Robert Half app</a> and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.</p> <p>All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit <a href="https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/" target="_blank">roberthalf.gobenefits.net</a> for more information.</p> <p>© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy">Privacy Notice</a>.</p>