Strategic Sourcing Manager, Flight-Critical Aerospace

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager – Mechanical to lead sourcing strategies for airframe structures, landing gear, propulsion hardware, and precision-machined components. You will identify, qualify, onboard, and manage suppliers, drive negotiations, and develop long-term agreements that reduce risk and cost while supporting development and production in defense programs.

Ideal candidates have aerospace sourcing experience, can manage flight-critical suppliers, and can obtain a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain within aerospace/defense.
• Experience leading sourcing efforts for critical mechanical commodities.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements balancing cost, quality, and schedule.
• Ability to travel to supplier facilities and company locations as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement of critical mechanical commodities (airframe structures, machined components, landing gear, propulsion hardware).
• Develop commodity strategies for prototype, development, qualification, and production.
• Own supplier selection, onboarding, and long-term management for mission-critical components.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities across manufacturing, capacity, quality, and financial stability.
• Lead RFQs, analysis, negotiations, and contract execution.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and IP provisions to reduce cost and risk.
• Review drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and engineering changes with Engineering.
• Drive early supplier involvement to improve manufacturability and lead times.
• Understand cost drivers for aircraft structures and mechanical assemblies.
• Perform cost/price analysis using supplier data and should-cost models.
• Manage supplier performance and lead recovery plans when needed.
• Coordinate with multiple functions to resolve supply chain issues.
• Support new product intro and ramp-up with supplier readiness.
• Identify long-lead materials and supply risks and develop mitigation plans.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Cost analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication (verbal & written)

Ability to obtain security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager – Mechanical to lead sourcing strategies for airframe structures, landing gear, propulsion hardware, and precision-machined components. You will identify, qualify, onboard, and manage suppliers, drive negotiations, and develop long-term agreements that reduce risk and cost while supporting development and production in defense programs.

Ideal candidates have aerospace sourcing experience, can manage flight-critical suppliers, and can obtain a