Associate Sourcing Specialist

Responsibilities

• Source and procure mechanical commodities, including machined parts, sheet metal, welded assemblies, structural components, fasteners, hardware, castings, forgings, composites, and other fabricated components for aerospace and defense programs.
• Solicit supplier quotations, evaluate pricing and lead times, negotiate routine commercial terms, and execute purchase orders.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness; escalate performance issues as needed.
• Partner with Engineering to review drawings, specifications, bills of material (BOMs), and engineering changes.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by coordinating supplier quotes, prototype builds, and material readiness.
• Collaborate with Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supplier Quality to resolve supply chain issues, expedite critical hardware, and support production schedules.
• Track supplier commitments, monitor delivery performance, and communicate risks affecting production or program milestones.
• Support supplier qualification, First Article Inspection (FAI), and quality requirements.
• Maintain supplier data, pricing, lead times, and purchasing documentation in the ERP system.
• Identify cost savings, lead-time improvements, and process efficiencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain management supporting manufacturing or aerospace/defense environments.
• Experience sourcing mechanical commodities such as precision machined components, sheet metal fabrications, welded assemblies, structural components, fasteners and hardware, castings and forgings, or composites.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing specifications.
• Experience obtaining supplier quotations, negotiating pricing and lead times, and managing purchase orders.
• Basic understanding of CNC machining, welding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems such as AS9100 and FAI processes.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and export compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting prototype, development, and production programs.
• Exposure to supplier performance management and continuous improvement.
• APICS/ASCM or CPSM certification.