Position OverviewThe Mechanical Buyer - Composites is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management of composite materials, mechanical components, tooling, and related manufacturing consumables required to support AST SpaceMobile's production operations in Midland, Texas. This role works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure uninterrupted supply, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and on-time delivery from both domestic and international suppliers.
The ideal candidate will possess strong procurement experience in composite materials and mechanical assemblies, excellent supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to manage procurement activities in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities- Procure composite raw materials, mechanical components, tooling, consumables, and production-related materials from domestic and global suppliers.
- Evaluate and select suppliers based on cost, quality, lead time, technical capability, and overall business performance.
- Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, long-term agreements, and supply contracts.
- Identify and implement cost savings, lead-time reductions, and process improvements across assigned commodities.
- Ensure continuity of supply through proactive supplier management and risk mitigation strategies.
- Generate and manage purchase orders within NetSuite ERP and maintain accurate procurement records.
- Monitor supplier performance and delivery commitments to support production schedules.
- Maintain supplier and material master data, including lead times, pricing, certifications, and sourcing information.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to improve quality, delivery performance, and cost competitiveness.
- Manage procurement-related receiving discrepancies, nonconforming material issues, and supplier corrective actions.
- Coordinate resolution of supplier invoicing and accounts payable disputes.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams on new product introductions, qualification activities, and supplier development efforts.
- Support inventory management initiatives to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
- Conduct market research and analyze industry trends affecting composite materials, aerospace components, and related supply chains.
- Prepare and communicate procurement status reports, supplier performance metrics, and delivery forecasts.
- Maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
- Support special projects and strategic sourcing initiatives as assigned.
- Travel occasionally to supplier locations, trade shows, or industry events as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required.
Experience- Minimum of 3 years of procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain experience in manufacturing, aerospace, composites, or related industries.
- Experience sourcing composite materials such as carbon fiber, prepregs, resins, adhesives, honeycomb cores, tooling materials, or related aerospace materials preferred.
- Experience procuring mechanical components, machined parts, fabricated assemblies, and production tooling preferred.
- Experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing, and commercial terms.
- Experience working within ERP systems; purchasing module experience required.
- NetSuite experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications- Aerospace, satellite, aviation, or advanced manufacturing industry experience.
- Experience supporting composite manufacturing operations.
- Familiarity with supplier quality requirements, material certifications, and aerospace compliance standards.
- APICS, CPSM, CPM, or other supply chain certifications preferred.
- Experience managing international suppliers and global sourcing initiatives.
Soft Skills- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
Technology Stack- NetSuite ERP or equivalent ERP platform.
- Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Procurement and supplier management systems.
- Data analysis and reporting tools.
Physical Requirements- Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
- Ability to occasionally walk production floors and supplier facilities.
- Ability to travel occasionally, both domestically and internationally.
