Sr Purchasing Specialist - Avionics & Mission Systems

The Sr. Purchasing Specialist, Avionics & Mission Systems at Hermeus is responsible for sourcing and procuring critical avionics, electrical, and mission systems hardware. Key duties include:

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

About the Role

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company focused on rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft. We work with the Department of War to provide high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. This role supports sourcing and procurement of critical avionics, electrical, and mission systems hardware, requiring a detail-oriented, commercially-minded individual with strong organizational and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Requirements

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

Preferred Experience & Skills

• 2+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, space, or aviation.
• Purchasing or sourcing experience supporting avionics, electronics, electrical, or mission systems.
• Familiarity with electronic components, PCB/PCBs, sensors, harnesses, connectors, and related avionics hardware.
• Experience supporting hardware from prototype and development through production.
• Understanding of electronic component lead times, lifecycle, allocation, and obsolescence risks.
• Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, supplier quality, and traceability requirements.
• Experience working in an early-stage or rapidly scaling aerospace environment.

Benefits

At Hermeus, we offer competitive pay, stock options, a 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses. Our benefits package includes health & wellness, financial, time off, and office perks. We also provide a range of benefits designed to support our team, including paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees.

Equal Opportunity

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.