AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
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.