Sr. Supply Chain Specialist

ABOUT OUR MISSION:
Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry. 

Safran DSI Testing & Telemetry offers state-of-the-art data acquisition systems, recorders, download stations, RF receivers and transmitters, and telemetry tracking antennas, ensuring reliable mission data management. Additionally, our airborne mission data management systems provide comprehensive solutions for collecting and analyzing mission-critical information.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space

POSITION PROFILE:

We are seeking an experienced supply chain and purchasing professional with a strong background in aerospace and defense industries to manage procurement activities for critical components, systems, and services and local, national, and international. This position will drive strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and subcontract management, supporting new product launches and sustaining programs. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically savvy, and thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Also, Safran DSI Test & Telemetry (T&T) business is currently 80% distribution. So, supply chain is required to be involved from order ingestion to delivery and payment. As such this role will occasionally be asked to move outside the purchasing timeline to support other phases of supply chain such as customer portals for order receipt, working intercompany arrangements with GBUs, and then arranging deliverables and conditions for payment such as port uploads of invoices. AKA, other duties as assigned. As T&T shifts more into other models these responsibilities will adapt with the business with your role important in realizing full supply chain coverage.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead sourcing activities for mechanical, electronic, and software-integrated components
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, conduct supplier RFQs/RFIs, and execute competitive bid processes
• Monitor Approved Supplier List for the best mix of providers. Adding and removing as required and approved when working with management, Quality, Engineering, and Contracts
• Negotiate long-term agreements, pricing, and commercial terms aligned with company objectives
• Manage the full procurement lifecycle (PO issuance, delivery tracking, change control, invoice resolution)
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Legal teams to ensure supply alignment with technical and compliance requirements (e.g., AS9100, FARS/DFARS, ITAR)
• Support make-vs-buy analysis, VAVE (value analysis/value engineering), and continuous cost reduction initiatives
• Monitor supplier performance (OTD, PPM, responsiveness) and lead corrective action when required
• Ensure all purchasing activities are compliant with internal procedures and applicable regulations (FAR/DFARS, EAR/ITAR

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (MBA or CPM/CSCP/APICS certification a plus). OR Prior extensive experience will be acceptable in lieu of a degree
• Minimum 5+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or automotive telematics, antennas
• Strong understanding of global sourcing, technical procurement, and contract negotiation
• Familiarity with government/commercial compliance standards (e.g., FAR/DFARS, AS9100, ITAR,)
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar). Knowledge of INFOR M3 a plus
• Knowledge of SharePoint, Excel, and reporting platforms
• Solid analytical and communication skills; ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• Travel not expected but may be required (up to 10–15%)
• Requires U.S. Citizenship

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Working knowledge of connectivity technologies (GNSS, cellular, RF), PCBAs, harnesses, or ruggedized enclosures
• Experience supporting NPI (New Product Introduction) programs and DFM-sourcing collaboration
• Prior experience in working with a multinational supply base across Europe, Asia, and North America

TRAVEL: Willingness and ability to travel 10% to up to 15% of the time depending on the season

Schedule:  Core hours - Monday – Friday  0900-1500

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).