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Senior Sourcing Specialist (R5489)

Shield AI· Aircraft Operations Division – Supply Chain
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Dallas, TX$88k - $130kFull Time EmployeePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Senior Sourcing Specialist responsible for leading strategic sourcing initiatives and building high-performing supplier partnerships to ensure materials and components for aerospace and defense programs are available across development, production, and long-term success.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

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, 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.

Skills

Required:Sourcing strategySupplier managementNegotiationEngineering drawing interpretationERP/MRP systemsData analysis

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Salary compensation is influenced by skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location.
  • All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

AerospaceAutonomyDefenseliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1
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