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:
Play a key role in bringing innovative products to life by building strong supplier partnerships and supporting critical supply chain initiatives. In this role, you'll collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to ensure the resources needed for development and production are in place, helping deliver high-quality products in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
What you'll do:
Source and procure mechanical commodities including machined parts, sheet metal, welded assemblies, structural components, fasteners, hardware, castings, forgings, and other fabricated components supporting aerospace and defense programs.
Solicit supplier quotations, evaluate pricing and lead times, negotiate routine commercial terms, and execute purchase orders to meet program requirements.
Manage supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness while escalating performance issues as needed.
Partner with Engineering to review drawings, specifications, bills of material (BOMs), and engineering changes to ensure suppliers understand manufacturing requirements.
Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by coordinating supplier quotes, prototype builds, and material readiness.
Work closely with Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supplier Quality to resolve supply chain issues, expedite critical hardware, and support production schedules.
Track supplier commitments, monitor delivery performance, and proactively communicate risks affecting production or program milestones.
Support supplier qualification activities, First Article Inspection (FAI), and quality requirements in coordination with Supplier Quality and Engineering.
Maintain accurate supplier data, pricing, lead times, and purchasing documentation within the ERP system.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, lead time improvements, and process efficiencies while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Required qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
3+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain management supporting manufacturing or aerospace/defense environments.
Experience sourcing one or more mechanical commodity groups such as:
Precision machined components
Sheet metal fabrications
Welded assemblies
Structural components
Fasteners and hardware
Castings and forgings
Composites
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and manufacturing specifications.
Experience obtaining supplier quotations, negotiating pricing and lead times, and managing purchase orders.
Basic understanding of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, welding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly.
Familiarity with aerospace quality systems such as AS9100 and First Article Inspection (FAI) processes is preferred.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, and Quality.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel for purchasing and supplier management.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and export compliance requirements.
Experience supporting prototype, development, and production programs.
Exposure to supplier performance management and continuous improvement activities.
APICS/ASCM or CPSM certification is a plus.
