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.
