Shield AI

Associate Sourcing Specialist (R5490)

Shield AI$69K — $100K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in purchasing or supply chain management in manufacturing or aerospace/defense.
  • Experience sourcing mechanical commodities such as machined components, sheet metal, welded assemblies, and more.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and bills of material (BOMs).
  • Experience negotiating supplier quotations and managing purchase orders.
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes like CNC machining and welding.
  • Familiarity with aerospace quality systems such as AS9100 is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Source and procure mechanical commodities for aerospace and defense.
  • Solicit and evaluate supplier quotations, negotiating terms as needed.
  • Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
  • Collaborate with engineering on drawings and specifications for suppliers.
  • Support new product introductions through supplier coordination.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to address and resolve supply chain issues.
  • Track supplier commitments and communicate production risks.

Benefits

  • Job stability as a full-time regular employee with additional benefits.
  • Potential for bonuses and equity in the company.
  • Comprehensive benefits package after 60 days for temporary employees.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within a structured organization.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Play a key role in bringing innovative products to life by building strong supplier partnerships and supporting critical supply chain initiatives. In this role, you'll collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to ensure the resources needed for development and production are in place, helping deliver high-quality products in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

What you'll do:

  • Source and procure mechanical commodities including machined parts, sheet metal, welded assemblies, structural components, fasteners, hardware, castings, forgings, and other fabricated components supporting aerospace and defense programs.
  • Solicit supplier quotations, evaluate pricing and lead times, negotiate routine commercial terms, and execute purchase orders to meet program requirements.
  • Manage supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness while escalating performance issues as needed.
  • Partner with Engineering to review drawings, specifications, bills of material (BOMs), and engineering changes to ensure suppliers understand manufacturing requirements.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by coordinating supplier quotes, prototype builds, and material readiness.
  • Work closely with Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supplier Quality to resolve supply chain issues, expedite critical hardware, and support production schedules.
  • Track supplier commitments, monitor delivery performance, and proactively communicate risks affecting production or program milestones.
  • Support supplier qualification activities, First Article Inspection (FAI), and quality requirements in coordination with Supplier Quality and Engineering.
  • Maintain accurate supplier data, pricing, lead times, and purchasing documentation within the ERP system.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings, lead time improvements, and process efficiencies while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.


Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain management supporting manufacturing or aerospace/defense environments.
  • Experience sourcing one or more mechanical commodity groups such as:
    • Precision machined components
    • Sheet metal fabrications
    • Welded assemblies
    • Structural components
    • Fasteners and hardware
    • Castings and forgings
    • Composites
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and manufacturing specifications.
  • Experience obtaining supplier quotations, negotiating pricing and lead times, and managing purchase orders.
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, welding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly.
  • Familiarity with aerospace quality systems such as AS9100 and First Article Inspection (FAI) processes is preferred.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, and Quality.
  • Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel for purchasing and supplier management.


Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
  • Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and export compliance requirements.
  • Experience supporting prototype, development, and production programs.
  • Exposure to supplier performance management and continuous improvement activities.
  • APICS/ASCM or CPSM certification is a plus.


$69,000 - $100,000 a year

#LB

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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