Supply Chain Category Manager - Machining

Overview

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe our strengths are built on our most important resource—our people. Join EBAD and you'll be part of a team that creates cutting‑edge technology to support missions that place men, women, and satellites into space and protect military personnel worldwide.

• Category Strategy & Ownership
  :
  Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy for machining (CNC, precision machining, complex metals, exotic materials). Define sourcing approaches including make vs. buy, supplier consolidation, and dual sourcing strategies. Build should‑cost models and benchmark pricing across suppliers and regions. Align strategy with engineering, manufacturing, and program requirements. Conduct market research to inform category strategies and support program management and engineering.
• Continuous Improvement
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  Support and implement improvements such as EBOS improvement strategies, supplier kaizens, and strategic supplier business reviews.
• Maximize Value
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  Drive supplier sustainability, small business sourcing, and supplier innovation as part of category strategies.
• Supplier Management & Development
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  Identify, qualify, and onboard machining suppliers with capabilities in aerospace‑grade materials (e.g., titanium, Inconel, aluminum alloys). Drive supplier performance across key metrics (OTD, quality, lead time, cost competitiveness). Lead quarterly reviews and performance improvement initiatives, fostering strong partnerships and collaborating on capacity planning, process improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Technical Sourcing & Collaboration
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  Work closely with engineering on design‑for‑manufacturability and cost optimization. Evaluate technical capabilities including multi‑axis CNC, tight‑tolerance machining, and special processes. Support new product introduction by ensuring supplier readiness and capability alignment and review technical drawings, specifications, and tolerances.
• Cost Management & Negotiation
  :
  Develop and implement cost‑optimization strategies, manage contracts (LTAs, LOIs, MOUs, SMIs), and execute strategic agreements. Lead cost‑reduction initiatives through value engineering, process optimization, and global sourcing. Utilize clean‑sheet and should‑cost modeling to validate supplier pricing.
• Risk Management & Compliance
  :
  Identify and mitigate supply‑chain risks such as single‑source dependencies, geopolitical exposure, and capacity constraints. Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense regulations (ITAR, FAR/DFARS, AS9100). Support audits and ensure suppliers meet all quality and regulatory requirements.
• Data, Analytics & Automation
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  Leverage analytics to drive sourcing decisions and category insights. Use ERP/MRP and supplier tools to monitor performance, forecast demand, and analyze spend data. Integrate machining category into PFEP and SIOP frameworks and develop dashboards for performance and risk anticipation. Manage financial analyses with finance, drive positive PPV, resolve invoice issues, and meet payment term goals.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
  :
  Serve as the primary point of contact for the machining category across procurement, engineering, quality, and operations. Lead cross‑functional initiatives to improve supply‑chain resilience and scalability. Mentor buyers and analysts supporting the category.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 7–12+ years of experience in strategic sourcing with a strong focus on machining or precision manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of machining processes, materials, and tolerances in aerospace applications.
• Proven experience negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing global supply bases.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen (cost modeling, TCO analysis).

• Experience in aerospace/defense environments (vehicle launch, separation systems, satellites, space, missiles).
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and special process requirements.
• Experience with should‑cost modeling tools and advanced analytics (Excel, SQL, Power BI).
• Lean/Six Sigma certification.
• MBA or advanced engineering degree.

30–50% travel to suppliers and plant locations.

Moorpark, California or Simsbury, Connecticut.

Salary range: $150,000 – $190,000 per year, determined by education, experience, skills, internal equity, and market data.

Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.