Sr Purchasing Specialist - Avionics & Mission Systems

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

We are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Purchasing Specialist, Avionics & Mission Systems to support the sourcing and procurement of critical avionics, electrical, and mission systems hardware. This role will manage purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and order execution supporting programs from early development through production.

The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, commercially minded, and comfortable working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams in a fast-paced, early-stage aerospace environment.

Responsibilities

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• Source and procure avionics, electrical, and mission systems hardware , including PCB/PCBAs, sensors, harnesses, connectors, power electronics, and related components.
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• Develop sourcing strategies and establish supplier partnerships that optimize cost, quality, lead time, and supply-chain risk .
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• Lead supplier negotiations for pricing, lead times, commercial terms, NRE, and other purchasing requirements.
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• Issue and manage purchase orders supporting prototype, development, qualification, and production builds .
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• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams to ensure hardware meets technical requirements and program schedules.
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• Monitor supplier performance, long-lead components, capacity, availability, and obsolescence/EOL risks , proactively addressing potential disruptions.
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• Support resolution of supplier quality, delivery, invoicing, engineering change, and material non-conformance issues.
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• Ensure purchasing activities and supplier documentation comply with company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable ITAR/DFARS requirements .

Requirements

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• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
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• 4+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or strategic sourcing.
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• Experience managing suppliers and purchasing complex engineered hardware or components.
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• Demonstrated experience negotiating pricing, lead times, and commercial terms.
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• Strong organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Preferred Experience & Skills

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2+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, space, or aviation.

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Purchasing or sourcing experience supporting avionics, electronics, electrical, or mission systems .

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Familiarity with electronic components, PCB/PCBAs, sensors, harnesses, connectors, and related avionics hardware.

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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.

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Experience supporting hardware from prototype and development through production .

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Understanding of electronic component lead times, lifecycle, allocation, and obsolescence risks.

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Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, supplier quality, and traceability requirements .

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Experience working in an early-stage or rapidly scaling aerospace environment .