About the role

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Strategic Sourcing Project Manager.

The Strategic Sourcing Project Manager is responsible for driving global sourcing strategies, identifying and qualifying strategic suppliers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, while ensuring excellence in cost, lead time, quality, and innovation within aerospace structures materials (metallic, CFRP, plastics).

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong business acumen, capable of managing cost comparisons, developing business cases, planning procurement activities, and analyzing data-driven decisions.

This role requires exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills, fluency in English and Spanish, and a minimum of 5 years of experience in similar roles within the aerospace sector.

Key Responsibilities:
• Identify, qualify, and develop new strategic suppliers globally, with a focus on aerospace components made from advanced materials and metals
• Lead supplier expansion and qualification efforts across Europe, Asia, and the Americas
• Define and execute strategic sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives
• Build and present detailed business cases to support sourcing decisions, vendor changes, and cost-saving initiatives
• Conduct cost benchmarking and comparisons, ensuring optimal pricing and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
• Develop procurement activity plans and sourcing calendars in alignment with project timelines
• Manage large datasets, supplier databases, and sourcing dashboards to support data-driven decision-making
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFI, RFQ, RFP, bid evaluation, and contract execution
• Negotiate complex, high-value supplier contracts with focus on cost, lead time, and performance improvement
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance teams to ensure supply chain alignment
• Implement supplier performance management programs, monitor KPIs, and lead corrective actions
• Act as Single Point of Contact (SPOC) between suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Ensure timely certification, inspection, and delivery of materials according to purchase orders
• Track procurement progress, risks, and mitigation plans using project management tools
• Maintain compliance with aerospace industry standards and risk control procedures
• Support category strategy development and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Strategic Sourcing Management, or related technical discipline

Experience:
A minimum of 5+ years in strategic sourcing and supplier development roles within the aerospace sector

Preferred Qualifications:
• PMP, CPSM, APICS or similar project/sourcing certifications
• Experience managing subcontractors and outsourced warehousing/logistics operations
• Knowledge of AS9100 and other aerospace-specific quality standards

Soft Skills:
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional environments
• Fluency in English (C1+) and Spanish
• Other languages such as French, German, Italian or Mandarin are a strong plus
• Ability to work across multiple time zones with schedule flexibility
• Manufacturing Supply Chain Execution
• Aerospace Structures Materials Knowledge
• Supplier Management
• Production Planning
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Risk Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Technical Communication

Technology Stack:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems (preferably Oracle NetSuite), and sourcing platforms

Physical Requirements:
• Availability for international travel (EU, UK, Asia, USA) as required
• Valid driver’s license

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Skills & Tags

node go ai mobile data product design

Aplyr's read

AST SpaceMobile is pioneering satellite technology with a focus on connecting the unconnected, attracting engineers and technicians dedicated to innovation in space communications.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•AST SpaceMobile aims to provide global mobile coverage through satellite technology.
•The company is involved in cutting-edge satellite communications, promising significant industry impact.
•Recent hiring in engineering and technical roles suggests growth and development in their projects.

What to watch

•The space industry is highly competitive, posing significant challenges for AST SpaceMobile.
•Frequent shift work and relocations may affect work-life balance for employees.
•Achieving global satellite coverage is technologically complex and financially demanding.

Why AST SpaceMobile

•AST SpaceMobile focuses on bridging the digital divide with satellite-based mobile broadband.
•The company is developing the first space-based cellular broadband network.
•AST SpaceMobile's mission is to connect remote areas lacking traditional communication infrastructure.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?