Sourcing Specialist

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.