Aircraft Interior Sourcing Specialist

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly TelefonixPDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

This position is designated as onsite. The selected candidate must be willing and able to report to the Waukegan, IL location during scheduled work hours

Summary

The Aircraft Interior Sourcing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, qualifying, and procuring parts, materials, and services to support interior aircraft modification programs (e.g., cabin reconfigurations, refurbishments, and upgrades). This role combines strategic sourcing responsibilities which includes developing supply strategies, negotiating contracts, and managing obsolescence along with tactical purchasing duties which includes issuing purchase orders, coordinating deliveries, and maintaining accurate records.

The position works closely with Engineering, Program Management, Production, Quality, and multiple Astronics business units to ensure interior modification projects are supported with cost-effective, compliant, and on-time material availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Evaluate sourcing procedures for interior modification materials and present improvement strategies to senior management for approval.
• Develop and execute supply base and supply chain strategies for interior components (e.g., monuments, panels, lighting, wiring, PSU components, trim, hardware, cabin electronics) with OEMs, distributors, and salvage providers.
• Prepare bid analyses and recommend suppliers based on technology, certification capability, lead time, cost, and quality.
• Conduct market research on cabin/interior component suppliers and emerging technologies; create cost estimates and forecasts for upcoming modification programs.
• Lead or support obsolescence management for interior components by reviewing availability, monitoring EOL notifications, and forecasting lifetime buy requirements.
• Assist Engineering during new design and change activities to ensure component availability, manufacturability, and compliance with aviation regulations (e.g., FAA/EASA, burn and flammability, interior material standards).
• Negotiate strategic agreements with key suppliers (NDAs, long-term agreements, pricing, terms and conditions, service levels, inventory strategies, and consignment/VMI where appropriate).
• Estimate risks (supply continuity, obsolescence, capacity, single-source exposure) and apply risk-minimizing techniques such as dual sourcing, safety stock strategies, or alternate parts.
• Issue and manage purchase orders to support manufacturing, engineering, and modification program material requirements.
• Manage assigned suppliers and commodities to ensure ongoing supply, appropriate/competitive pricing, and adherence to schedule.
• Take actions needed to assure on-time supplier delivery of required goods, proactively resolving issues such as late deliveries, shortages, and quality problems.
• Investigate, develop, and obtain quotations from suppliers to ensure best total cost/value (price, quality, lead time, logistics, and lifecycle) for assigned commodities.
• Maintain efficient records, including purchase orders, supplier correspondence, pricing files, and program-specific sourcing documentation.
• Prepare and maintain spreadsheets and reporting for inventory status, open orders, supplier performance, cost savings, and program milestones.
• Support new project/program procurement activities, including RFQs, bill of material (BOM) reviews, and material readiness for modification lines or kits.
• Evaluate market conditions (pricing, lead times, capacity constraints) and recommend alternate courses of action, including alternate suppliers or materials.
• Advise management and program teams of changes in material availability, prices, market trends, and sourcing risks.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree or minimum of five years procurement experience
• Minimum of five years experience with MRP or ERP systems
• Experience sourcing Airbus and Boeing interior cabin components

Preferred:

• Experience with Epicor, Intuitive, or Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $75,000 - $85,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. . In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.
• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.

• Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
• Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
• Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program