Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or commodity management in aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes.
Proven experience negotiating contracts with complex technical suppliers.
Ability to analyze cost structures and conduct should-cost modeling.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute long-term commodity strategies for mechanical components.
Serve as the primary owner of supplier relationships, leading performance management and strategic development.
Negotiate complex contracts and pricing agreements to meet objectives.
Analyze market trends and supply base capabilities for competitive advantage.
Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product introduction.
Drive cost-reduction initiatives through value engineering and productivity projects.
Resolve supply issues proactively to ensure on-time delivery.
Benefits
Mentorship and guidance opportunities for junior team members.
Engagement in high-reliability aerospace and defense projects.
Collaboration with cross-functional teams including Engineering and Operations.
Opportunity to influence strategic sourcing decisions at a high level.
Full Job Description
Job Summary: The Principal Commodity Manager for Mechanical Components is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with Mercury Systems' business objectives. This role leads strategic supplier relationships, drives cost optimization, ensures supply continuity, and supports new product introduction for mechanical commodities such as machined parts, castings, sheet metal, fasteners, metal assemblies, and related hardware used in high-reliability aerospace and defense products.
Job Responsibilities:
Develop and execute long-term commodity strategies for mechanical components, including global sourcing, supplier rationalization, and risk mitigation.
Serve as the primary owner of supplier relationships for assigned commodities, leading performance management, quarterly business reviews, and strategic development activities.
Negotiate complex contracts, pricing agreements, and long-term supply arrangements to meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
Analyze market trends, supply base capabilities, cost drivers, and emerging technologies to ensure competitive advantage.
Partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, Operations, and Quality to support new product introduction and early supplier involvement.
Drive cost-reduction initiatives through value engineering, should-cost analysis, and productivity projects.
Resolve supply issues proactively to ensure on-time delivery and maintain production continuity.
Maintain compliance with all regulatory, cybersecurity, and defense-industry procurement requirements (e.g., FAR/DFARS).
Lead cross-functional teams in supplier selection, qualification, and performance improvement initiatives.
Provide mentorship and guidance to junior commodity managers and buyers as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
Typically requires 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supply chain within aerospace, defense, or high-technology manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes (machining, casting, sheet metal fabrication, plating/coatings, tolerances).
Proven experience negotiating and managing contracts with complex technical suppliers.
Ability to analyze cost structures and conduct should-cost modeling.
Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances if required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with defense industry compliance (FAR, DFARS, ITAR).
Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
Professional certifications (CPSM, CPIM, PMP, or similar).
Background supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) or engineering programs.
About Mercury Systems
Mercury Systems is a technology company that specializes in the design and manufacture of open architecture, secure processing systems and subsystems for commercial, defense, and intelligence applications. The company's products and solutions are used in a variety of applications, including radar, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and cyber security. Mercury Systems was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.
