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Aerospace Purchasing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview Qarbon Aerospace is a premier manufacturer of cutting-edge composite components ... Purchasing 1 Position Overview Compiles and analyzes statistical data to determine feasibility of ...

Purchasing Manager

Lake View Terrace, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Lead daily Purchasing operations in support of aerospace manufacturing requirements. * Manage ... procurement activities for raw materials, components, tooling, hardware, and outside processing ...

Lead daily Purchasing operations in support of aerospace manufacturing requirements. * Manage ... procurement activities for raw materials, components, tooling, hardware, and outside processing ...

Senior Aerospace SSP, a division of Senior plc, is the world's largest aerospace high-pressure ... The Purchasing Manager will analyze market and delivery systems in order to assess present and ...

Senior Aerospace SSP, a division of Senior plc, is the world's largest aerospace high-pressure ... The Purchasing Manager will analyze market and delivery systems in order to assess present and ...

Purchasing Specialist

Kalamazoo, MI ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Purchasing Specialist Full-time Kalamazoo, MI, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared ... Manage suppliers in a source-controlled aerospace setting to optimize cost, delivery, and lead ...

Visioneering, Inc. provides the aerospace industry with high-quality conceptual design, engineering ... Purchasing Agent Reports to: Purchasing Manager Benefits Direct hire position, Referral Bonus ...

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Aerospace Purchasing information

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How much do aerospace purchasing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace purchasing in the United States is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in an Aerospace Purchasing role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Aerospace Purchasing professionals often face challenges such as managing complex supplier relationships, ensuring on-time delivery of specialized parts, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. These challenges can be managed effectively by building strong communication channels with suppliers, staying updated on industry regulations, and utilizing robust procurement software for tracking orders and inventory. Collaborating closely with engineering, quality assurance, and logistics teams is also key to proactively addressing issues and ensuring seamless supply chain operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Purchasing professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Aerospace Purchasing, you need strong knowledge of procurement processes, supply chain management, and industry regulations, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as CPM or CPSM. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, supplier management software, and aerospace quality standards like AS9100 is essential. Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help build relationships with suppliers and ensure compliance. These skills are crucial for maintaining cost efficiency, timely delivery, and regulatory adherence in a highly specialized and safety-critical industry.

What is the difference between Aerospace Purchasing vs Aerospace Procurement?

AspectAerospace PurchasingAerospace Procurement
CredentialsOften requires purchasing certifications and industry-specific knowledgeRequires procurement certifications and familiarity with supply chain management
Work EnvironmentTypically involves negotiating with suppliers and managing purchase ordersFocuses on sourcing, supplier selection, and contract management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aerospace manufacturers and suppliers for acquiring partsCommon in aerospace companies for managing overall sourcing strategies

While both roles involve acquiring aerospace parts and materials, Aerospace Purchasing primarily focuses on executing purchase transactions, whereas Aerospace Procurement encompasses strategic sourcing and supplier management. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the aerospace industry.

What is aerospace purchasing?

Aerospace purchasing involves the procurement of materials, parts, and services required for the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft and aerospace products. Professionals in this field are responsible for sourcing quality components from reliable suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely delivery while adhering to strict industry regulations and standards. Aerospace purchasing is crucial for maintaining the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of aerospace operations.
More about Aerospace Purchasing jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Purchasing jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Purchasing job openings:
What states have the most Aerospace Purchasing jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Purchasing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Purchasing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,688 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Sr. Director of Purchasing (Aerospace)

Sr. Director of Purchasing (Aerospace)

Acara Solutions

Norwalk, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Acara Solutions has been providing aerospace and other advanced manufacturing firms with our staffing services since the 1950's. Our international aerospace client has an onsite opening for a Senior Director of Purchasing in their Norwalk, CA area plant (Los Angeles region). The salary target range is $200k - $220k plus bonus. Reports to the COO.

The hands-on and strategic Senior Director of Purchasing is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for managing and optimizing global supply chain operations, sourcing strategies, and all day-to-day purchasing activities in support of supply chain and operations requirements for the ground support business unit, which includes global manufacturing sites in the USA, Portugal, and Thailand, and other potential new sites as may be developed. Additionally, the role oversees performance and oversight of our global supply chain partners. This role oversees procurement, production planning, inventory control, supplier performance, and material logistics across a global supplier network. The Director ensures alignment with regulatory requirements (e.g., AS9100, ITAR), corporate objectives, customer expectations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
This individual collaborates cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Manufacturing to ensure the seamless flow of materials, on-time program delivery, and cost-effective execution in a highly regulated, complex environment. The ideal candidate is technically adept, thrives in a dynamic environment, is prepared to be hands-on as needed, and is comfortable balancing both tactical and strategic responsibilities and global site visits. Strong communication, data-driven decision making, and process ownership are essential to success.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead global supply chain operations, including strategic sourcing, procurement, production planning, logistics, and inventory management across domestic and international sites for our ground support business unit.
  • Build and manage a high-performing team overseeing Purchasing, Planning, and Inventory Control functions.
  • Develop and implement global supply chain strategies that reduce lead times, mitigate risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive operational efficiency.
  • Oversee supplier selection, qualification, contract negotiation, and performance management with a focus on AS9100 compliance and supplier scorecards.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, and Quality to define critical path items, manage lead-time-sensitive components, and ensure timely product launches.
  • Monitor and manage global inventory levels (including consignment and VMI) to balance availability, working capital, and customer demands.
  • Leverage ERP/MRP systems-specifically Global Shop Solutions and/or Epicor-to maintain accurate material requirements, BOMs, routings, and cost estimates. Support digital transformation initiatives within supply chain operations.
  • Ensure strict adherence to export/import compliance, ITAR regulations, and quality standards specific to aerospace manufacturing.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing, planning, and logistics through lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and value stream mapping.
  • Develop supply chain contingency and risk management plans to address global disruptions, geopolitical risks, and supplier capacity constraints.
  • Evaluate and implement sustainable sourcing practices aligned with corporate ESG goals.
  • Partner with Finance to develop supply chain budgets, cost-saving initiatives, and CAPEX planning.
  • Manage and direct the activities of Supplier Quality Representatives to ensure supplier compliance with aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100), support incoming inspections, and drive root cause and corrective action initiatives.
  • Represent Supply Chain in cross-functional leadership meetings and key customer or supplier engagements.
  • Ability to Travel Globally and be on-site in our corporate Los Angeles region office when not in travel mode.


Required Skills / Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Aerospace Engineering, Business, or related technical field;
  • Minimum 10 years' of progressive supply chain leadership experience in the aerospace or defense manufacturing sector, with demonstrated success in managing global sourcing and logistics.
  • Min 5 years of experience with aerospace standards and regulations, including AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, and FAA requirements.
  • Min 3 years of experience working with machined parts, complex assemblies, and fabricated metal components used in aerospace platforms.
  • Min 5 years of experience working with ERP/MRP systems
  • Min 5 years of proven leadership experience in negotiating long-term agreements, supplier consolidation, cost modeling, and should-cost analysis.
  • Min 5 years of experience leading global teams and managing supplier networks - ideally across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Preferred Skills / Qualifications:
  • Master's and/or MBA or APICS/CSCP/CPIM certification
  • Global Shop Solutions and/or Epicor
  • Experience with global logistics, global Tariffs, FTZ, and other related subject matters

Misc:
  • Ability to travel to domestic and international suppliers and manufacturing sites (10-20% travel).

After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.

The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.

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About Acara Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acara Solutions, based in Buffalo, NY, is a premier provider of recruitment and workforce solutions. Serving the industry since its inception in 1957, the company has expanded its roots from a small family-owned employment agency to a leading international recruitment agency. Acara provides staffing solutions to a myriad of industries including Engineering, IT, Professional, Industrial and Finance. They offer an array of services from strategic workforce management, talent acquisition, vendor management systems, to executive search services. Driven by the core values of dedication, integrity, teamwork and innovation, Acara exists with the mission to connect job seekers with leading employers while fostering growth and innovation in the industries they serve. A prominent player in the US staffing industry, Acara Solutions has been recognized multiple times on the Staffing Industry Analysts List of Largest US Staffing Firms.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Buffalo, NY, US

Year founded

1957