Aerospace Sourcing & Supplier Strategy Specialist

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bascom Hunter in Baton Rouge, LA, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to bolster the supplier base for aerospace and defense components. You will evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers, ensuring technical compliance, quality, and timely delivery for critical programs.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize procurement strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive cost efficiencies while maintaining industry standards such as ITAR/DFARS.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with sourcing tools, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Technical aptitude and ability to read/interpret engineering requirements.
• Analytical problem-solving and cost analysis abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• General understanding of all supply chain functions and how they support engineering and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for mechanical and electronic components and systems used in aerospace/defense applications.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to support current and long-term program needs.
• Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments to verify ITAR, DFARS, ISO compliance.
• Collaborate with quality and compliance teams to address gaps and maintain approved supplier status.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve cost-effective procurement while maintaining quality and on-time delivery.
• Work with legal and compliance teams to ensure agreements meet defense regulations.
• Conduct market research to identify sourcing opportunities, track cost trends, and assess risks.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted supply for critical defense programs.
• Monitor supplier performance through delivery schedules and quality metrics; address issues as needed.
• Partner with engineering, production, quality, and project management teams to ensure materials meet specs and timelines.
• Support new product development by contributing to sourcing strategies and supplier selection.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Organizational skills

Analytical problem-solving

Cost analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Supply chain understanding

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Bascom Hunter in Baton Rouge, LA, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to bolster the supplier base for aerospace and defense components. You will evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers, ensuring technical compliance, quality, and timely delivery for critical programs.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize procurement strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive cost efficiencies while maintaining industry standards such as ITAR/DFARS.