Senior Sourcing Specialist (R5489)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .

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.

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