Sr Purchasing Specialist
Job description
About the role
The Sr Purchasing Specialist owns the end-to-end procurement strategy for avionics and mission systems, ensuring a resilient and cost-optimized supply chain for Hermeus's hypersonic vehicle programs. This role manages the complete lifecycle of critical components, from initial supplier identification and qualification to long-term contract execution and strategic negotiation. The specialist will act as the primary commercial and technical liaison between engineering, supply chain, and supplier organizations to resolve complex sourcing challenges. Success in this position requires a deep understanding of aerospace supply chain dynamics and the ability to mitigate risks associated with unique, high-tech hardware. The individual will drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on supplier performance, cost reduction, and process efficiency. This position demands meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills to navigate complex purchasing landscapes. The role is integral to maintaining the velocity of Hermeus's development and production timelines.
Key facts
Location: USA
Engagement: Full-time
person as defined by 22 C.F.R.
What you'll do
Analyze and forecast demand for avionics and mission systems components, translating technical requirements into actionable purchase orders.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms with suppliers for electronic components, hardware assemblies, and sub-systems.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive supplier base, conducting strategic sourcing activities to optimize cost and performance.
Manage the qualification and certification process for new suppliers, ensuring compliance with Hermeus quality and regulatory standards.
Interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering specifications to source complex avionics hardware, including wiring harness assemblies.
Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, developing contingency plans for critical or long-lead items.
Manage inventory levels and reorder points in coordination with ERP/MRP systems to support production schedules and minimize obsolescence.
Track supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, quality, and cost, and drive corrective actions as needed.
Ensure full compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and export control regulations, maintaining the necessary status and documentation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions from prototype through production phases.
Perform market analysis and cost modeling to support strategic purchasing decisions and negotiations.
Maintain accurate and detailed procurement documentation, ensuring traceability and audit readiness.
Support the evaluation and management of supplier quality issues, working with suppliers to implement effective corrective actions.
Monitor technological trends and component lifecycle stages to anticipate obsolescence and plan for alternatives.
Serve as the key point of contact for all procurement-related inquiries, providing timely and accurate information to internal stakeholders.
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience is required.
A minimum of 4+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or strategic sourcing is required.
Experience managing suppliers and purchasing complex engineered hardware or components is required.
Demonstrated experience negotiating pricing, lead times, and commercial terms is required.
Strong organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills are required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with ERP/MRP systems is required.
U.S. person status, as defined by 22 C.F.R., or eligibility for deemed export licensing is required due to the controlled technology environment.
This role involves access to controlled information and items, necessitating the highest levels of confidentiality and regulatory adherence.
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearances and comply with all export control requirements.
Nice to have
2+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, space, or aviation is preferred.
Purchasing or sourcing experience supporting avionics, electronics, electrical, and mission systems is preferred.
Familiarity with electronic components, PCB/PCBAs, sensors, harnesses, connectors, and related avionics hardware is preferred.
The ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering specifications to support supplier sourcing and procurement of avionics and electrical hardware, including wiring harness assemblies, is preferred.
Experience supporting hardware from prototype and development through production is preferred.
Understanding of electronic component lead times, lifecycle, allocation, and obsolescence risks is preferred.
Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, supplier quality, and traceability requirements is preferred.
Experience working in an early-stage or rapidly scaling aerospace environment is preferred.
Practical notes
export control compliance requires status as a U.S. person or eligibility for deemed export licensing. This role involves access to controlled information and items.