Hermeus is a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company. The business is focused on building high-speed products that sustainably deliver asymmetric advantage to the Department of Defense and allied partners. Utilizing an iterative development approach to aircraft, Hermeus’ high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft aim to deliver capabilities at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s.
Hermeus is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager – Mechanical Fasteners to lead sourcing strategies and supplier development for fastener commodities and other/similar commodities. This critical role ensures the procurement of key components and materials essential to the company's mission, upholding quality and supporting innovation from concept through to full-scale production. As a core member of the supply chain team, the successful candidate will leverage extensive expertise in hardware sourcing, supplier relationship management, and effective cross-functional collaboration across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing.
Partner with engineering early and often in the design process to ensure Design for supply chain (DfSC) and Design for quality (DfQ), and to establish a robust, vetted supply base. The ideal applicant demonstrates strong leadership in dynamic environments and possesses a commitment to optimizing procurement processes to support advanced rapid product development.
Responsibilities:
- Design and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for mechanical fasteners, prioritizing availability, cost efficiency, quality enhancement, and supply chain reliability
- Assume full ownership of end-to-end supply functions, including supplier selection, negotiation, contract execution, order placement, quality and timely delivery, issue/dispute management and rigorous cost oversight
- Serve as a subject matter expert in fastener manufacturing, providing guidance on sourcing, manufacturability, and technical feasibility for engineering teams
- Lead all aspects of RFI/RFQ/RFP activities to identify and assess supplier capabilities, ensuring receipt of competitive and high-quality bids
- Manage relationships with external contract manufacturers to ensure ongoing supply continuity, implement effective risk mitigation, and facilitate transitions from new product introduction to mass production
- Collaborate extensively with internal stakeholders to support product innovation and operational excellence, acting as a primary liaison between engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers
- Lead cross-functional Commodity Council driving collaboration between engineering, quality, and supply chain to standardize fastener strategies
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or supplier development for complex hardware manufacturing (preferably fasteners)
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
- Previous experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, or high-tech manufacturing sectors
- Strong knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles and proficiency in data-driven sourcing
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement commodity strategies in collaboration with engineering and operations partners
- Proven capability to lead and collaborate effectively across functional areas within fast-paced settings
- Strong work ethic with adaptable and flexible approach
- Experience drafting, negotiating, and administering complex contracts and subcontracts
- Proficiency in interpreting and enforcing contractual terms and conditions
- Familiarity with procurement/ERP systems, PLM and CAD
- Availability for full-time onsite work
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. EQUAL OPPORTUNITYHermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.Apply for this job
