Senior Sourcing Specialist

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Sourcing Specialist to lead strategic sourcing initiatives and build high-performing supplier partnerships. The successful candidate will work across cross-functional teams to ensure critical materials and components are available to support development, production, and long-term success.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of mechanical commodities, including machined parts, sheet metal, welded assemblies, structural composites, fasteners, hardware, castings, forgings, and other fabricated components.
• Identify, qualify, onboard, and manage suppliers capable of meeting cost, quality, delivery, and technical requirements.
• Request and evaluate supplier quotations, perform cost analyses, negotiate pricing and lead times, and execute purchase orders and long-term agreements.
• Collaborate with Engineering to review drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to ensure suppliers can manufacture and deliver compliant hardware.
• Manage supplier performance, track delivery, quality, responsiveness, and capacity, and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Support new product introduction by ensuring material readiness, supplier capacity, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Work cross-functionally with various teams to resolve supply chain issues, expedite critical hardware, and maintain production schedules.
• Coordinate First Article Inspection, PPAP, AS9100 compliance, and qualification activities with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor supply risks, capacity constraints, and long-lead materials, and develop mitigation plans.
• Maintain accurate ERP data, including supplier information, lead times, pricing, and purchasing documentation.
• 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.
• 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 specific commodities, such as precision machined components, sheet metal fabrications, and structural components.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, bills of material, and manufacturing specifications.
• Experience negotiating pricing, lead times, and commercial terms with suppliers.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, such as CNC machining, welding, and fabrication.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, First Article Inspection, and supplier qualification processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• 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.
• Experience supporting both prototype and production environments with aggressive schedule requirements.

Additional Information:

• Salary within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity (for full-time regular employees) or Pay within range listed + temporary benefits package (for temporary employees).
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.