Job Title: Procurement Specialist – Aerospace Supply Chain

Job Description

This role leads full-cycle procurement activities within an aerospace environment, focusing on sourcing and qualifying new suppliers, managing sub-contracts, and ensuring on-time, cost-effective delivery of aircraft components. The Procurement Specialist collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, supports estimates and proposals, and applies lean principles to continuously improve supply chain performance.

Responsibilities

Source and qualify new suppliers to support current and future aerospace programs.Manage all aspects of procurement, including communicating technical and commercial specifications to suppliers.Prepare and issue requests for quotation (RFQs), evaluate responses, and negotiate pricing and contracts to achieve optimal cost, delivery, and terms.Select vendors based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and compliance with aerospace requirements.Prepare, edit, and process purchase requisitions and convert them into accurate purchase orders.Issue purchase orders, track order status, and proactively expedite orders as necessary to meet program schedules.Follow established purchasing policies and procedures while continuously seeking opportunities to optimize price, delivery, and contractual terms.Support and aid in the management of sub-contracts with multiple suppliers, including major component providers.Act as a primary liaison between suppliers and internal customers, ensuring clear communication of requirements and timely issue resolution.Support product cost estimates and proposal activities by providing accurate procurement data and supplier quotations.Monitor and track vendor performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness, and drive corrective actions when needed.Foster and maintain positive, long-term supplier relationships to support strategic sourcing and supply continuity.Support internal and external audit requirements related to planning and procurement, ensuring documentation and processes meet regulatory and customer standards.Perform additional duties in support of the broader supply chain function as required.Actively support and implement lean principles within procurement processes to reduce waste and improve efficiency.Communicate traceability and quality requirements clearly to suppliers and verify that deliveries meet these standards.Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable export and defense regulations, including EAR, ITAR, and DFARS.Negotiate claims and resolve disputes with suppliers in a professional and timely manner.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and manufacturing, to align procurement activities with program needs.

Essential Skills

Minimum 5 years of procurement experience with increasing responsibility and leadership.5+ years of full-cycle supply chain and procurement experience.Experience sourcing and qualifying new suppliers.Knowledge of aerospace supplier quality systems and requirements.Sub-contract management experience for major components.Proficiency and hands-on experience with ERP and MRP systems for procurement activities.Experience with procurement of multiple aircraft component commodities, including electrical harnesses, circuit card assemblies (CCAs), composites, machined components, and COTS components.Understanding and experience in procurement of components across all part maturity levels, including prototype, development, LRIP, FRP, and MRO.Experience communicating traceability and quality requirements to suppliers.Familiarity with EAR, ITAR, and DFARS regulations as they apply to procurement.Experience negotiating claims and resolving disputes with suppliers.Strong written and oral communication skills.Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.Proficiency with MS Office applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is preferred.Additional relevant procurement experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.Experience in supporting aircraft manufacturing is desired.Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive supplier relationships.Proven capability to work within established purchasing policies and procedures while driving continuous improvement.Strong analytical and organizational skills to manage multiple suppliers and sub-contracts concurrently.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, with two days per week in the office and the remaining time worked remotely. The role involves regular use of ERP and MRP systems, MS Office applications, and other standard business software tools to manage procurement activities. The work setting is a professional office environment that collaborates closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and other operational teams supporting aerospace and aircraft production.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $72.11/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job\n classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be\n subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits\n available for this temporary role may include the following:\n\n
• Medical, dental & vision\n
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital\n
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available\n
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)\n
• Short and long-term disability\n
• Health Spending Account (HSA)\n
• Transportation benefits\n
• Employee Assistance Program\n
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Sterling,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 2026.

\n

\nAbout Aston Carter\n\n

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

\n\n

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

\n

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

\n\n

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

\n\n

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

\n\n

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

\n\n