STRATEGIC SOURCING SPECIALIST

Bascom Hunter is building advanced aerospace and defense hardware. The Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in Bascom Hunter’s supply chain and will make an immediate impact by bolstering the company’s supply chain and supplier base. This position partners closely with program managers, engineering and manufacturing to identify, evaluate, and qualify vendors for materials, components, and services. This role ensures suppliers meet technical requirements, quality standards, delivery timelines, and cost objectives. The Sourcing Specialist will research new suppliers, conduct capability assessments, support contract negotiations, and help maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships. Responsibilities: Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for mechanical and electronic components and systems used primarily in aerospace and defense applications, ensuring they meet technical, quality, and compliance requirements. Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to support current and long-term program needs. Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments to verify adherence to ITAR, DFARS, ISO, and other applicable defense industry standards. Collaborate with quality and compliance teams to address gaps and maintain approved supplier status. Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve cost-effective procurement while maintaining high quality and on-time delivery. Work with legal and compliance teams to ensure all agreements meet customer and defense procurement regulations. Conduct market research to identify sourcing opportunities, track cost trends, and assess risks. Develop and implement contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted supply for critical defense programs. Monitor supplier performance through delivery schedules, quality metrics, and responsiveness, and address performance issues when needed. Partner with engineering, production, quality, and project management teams to ensure all materials and components meet technical specifications and project timelines. Support new product development by contributing to sourcing strategies and supplier selection. Qualifications Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field. 2+ years of sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably in an engineering or manufacturing environment. Familiarity with technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing processes. Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills. Proficiency with sourcing tools, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Competencies Technical aptitude and ability to read/interpret engineering requirements. Vendor relationship management skills. Analytical problem-solving and cost analysis abilities. Ability to work collaboratively across departments. General understanding of all supply chain functions and how they support engineering and manufacturing operations. Equal Employment Opportunity Information: Bascom Hunter is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability/veteran, status as a protected veteran, or any other basis protected by applicable law.