Category Manager, Precision Mechanical Components

Salient Motion; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary $160k–$175k

Medical benefits fully covered

Life insurance 2x salary fully covered

Flexible PTO & 401K

Job summary

Salient Motion in Torrance, CA seeks a Category Manager, Mechanical Equipment to own the mechanical supplier base for actuator product lines. Source precision components and raw materials, manage NPI procurement, and drive supplier selection from RFQ to award.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in strategic sourcing in aerospace/defense, AS9100/ITAR experience, and a focus on cost, lead times, and compliance with certifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain for precision mechanical components.
• Experience sourcing machined/forged/cast metal components and raw materials (aluminum, titanium, steel).
• Knowledge of GD&T, material certifications, and special processes (heat treat, plating, NDT).
• Experience negotiating supply agreements with machine shops, forging/casting houses, and distributors.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and supplier qualification/audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Own commodity strategy and supplier selection for gears, housings, bearings, shafts, and machined parts.
• Lead sourcing for new programs from RFQ to award; negotiate cost, lead time, and capacity.
• Own procurement for NPI; drive early supplier involvement and right‑first‑time selection.
• Qualify and develop machining, forging, and casting suppliers; lead audits and capability assessments.
• Collaborate with design/manufacturing engineering on material selection to balance cost, performance, and manufacturability.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supply chain

AS9100

ITAR/EAR

GD&T

NPI procurement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/SC/Business

Tools

NetSuite

SAP

Epicor

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Salient Motion in Torrance, CA seeks a Category Manager, Mechanical Equipment to own the mechanical supplier base for actuator product lines. Source precision components and raw materials, manage NPI procurement, and drive supplier selection from RFQ to award.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in strategic sourcing in aerospace/defense, AS9100/ITAR experience, and a focus on cost, lead times, and compliance with certifications.