Job Description:We're looking for a Senior Soucing Specialist to hep bring innovative products to life by leading strategic sourcing initiatives and building high-performing supplier partnerships. Working across cross-functional teams, you'll help ensure critical materials and components are available to support development, production, and long-term success.
What you'll do:- Own the sourcing and procurement of mechanical commodities including machined parts, sheet metal, welded assemblies, structural composites, fasteners, hardware, castings, forgings, and other fabricated components supporting aerospace and defense programs.
- Identify, qualify, onboard, and manage suppliers capable of meeting cost, quality, delivery, and technical requirements for prototype, development, and production builds.
- Request and evaluate supplier quotations, perform cost analyses, negotiate pricing and lead times, and execute purchase orders and long-term agreements where appropriate.
- Partner closely with Engineering to review drawings, specifications, GD&T, manufacturing requirements, and engineering changes to ensure suppliers can successfully manufacture and deliver compliant hardware.
- Manage supplier performance by tracking delivery, quality, responsiveness, and capacity while driving corrective actions and continuous improvement when issues arise.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) by ensuring material readiness, supplier capacity, and manufacturing feasibility for mechanical components.
- Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Supplier Quality, Planning, and Program Management to resolve supply chain issues, expedite critical hardware, and maintain production schedules.
- Coordinate First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP (where applicable), AS9100 compliance, and qualification activities with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Monitor supply risks, capacity constraints, and long-lead materials while developing mitigation plans to support uninterrupted production.
- Maintain accurate ERP data including supplier information, lead times, pricing, sourcing decisions, and purchasing documentation.
- Continuously identify opportunities for cost savings, lead time reduction, process improvements, and supplier consolidation.
Required qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain management supporting mechanical commodities within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience sourcing one or more of the following commodities:
- Precision machined components
- Sheet metal fabrications
- Welded assemblies
- Structural components
- Castings and forgings
- Fasteners and hardware
- Composites
- Tubes and fittings
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, bills of material (BOMs), and manufacturing specifications.
- Experience negotiating pricing, lead times, and commercial terms with suppliers while balancing cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, welding, fabrication, finishing, heat treat, plating, and assembly.
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, First Article Inspection (FAI), and supplier qualification processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple suppliers and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Planning, and Program Management.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel for procurement, supplier management, and data analysis.
Preferred qualifications:- Experience supporting defense or aerospace programs.
- Familiarity with DFARS, FAR, ITAR, and export compliance requirements.
- Experience managing suppliers through engineering changes, new product introductions, and production ramp-ups.
- Knowledge of cost drivers for machining, fabrication, welding, composites, and structural manufacturing.
- APICS/ASCM, CPSM, or CPSD certification is a plus.
- Experience supporting both prototype and production environments with aggressive schedule requirements.
$88,000 - $130,000 a month
#LC
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.
