Electronics Materials Manager

About the Position

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly TelefonixPDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) is a 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. 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.

Responsible for planning and managing daily procurement and materials management activities for the company’s electronic line replaceable unit (LRU) product lines, including wireless access points, servers, and modems. This role leads the electronics procurement team, ensures material availability to support production and customer demand, and drives cost, quality, and delivery performance across the supply base.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for procurement related to our electronic product lines.
• Determine responsibilities of assigned organization and staff positions to accomplish the business objectives.
• Supervise human resource responsibilities, setting guidelines for personnel recruitment, evaluations, and advancement.
• Train and ensure that all assigned employees are aware of, understand, and comply with company and customer policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Work with engineering on projects in development to identify potential procurement issues and opportunities.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key electronic commodities (PCBAs, ICs, memory, harnesses, etc.).
• Identify potential new vendors. Interview and evaluate vendors based on pricing, lead time, and capability.
• Plan incoming materials according to production plan. Adjust delivery dates as customer requirements change. Balance cash flow with operational maximization.
• Analyze BOMs (Bills of Material) and identify materials with cost savings opportunities.
• Follow market trends and provide guidance and recommendation for long-term planning to senior management.
• Identify and assess supply risks (single-sourced items, geo-political risk, long lead items) and develop mitigation plans.
• Maintain safety stock, alternate suppliers, and contingency plans for critical components.
• Participate in production / S&OP / planning meetings to communicate material risks, constraints, and recovery plans.
• Submit RFQs (Requests for Quote) to vendors. Compare and review price to obtain the best price and lead time.
• Issue Purchase Orders to vendors and follow up on material status.
• Develop qualified supplier and contractor base to support customer demands.
• Coordinate with vendors on pricing, lead time, and technical issues.
• Own parameter settings (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, reorder points) in the ERP/MRP system for electronic materials.
• Monitor component lifecycle status (e.g., EOL, NRND) and proactively manage substitutions and last-time buys.
• Work with engineering to qualify alternate parts and mitigate obsolescence and allocation risk.
• Review ECOs (Engineering Change Order).
• Generate pricing and formal quotes for customer RFQs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or minimum of five years procurement experience
• Minimum of five years experience with MRP or ERP systems

Preferred:

• Experience working in the aerospace industry and with electronic commodities such as PCBAs, ICs, Memory, and Cable Harnesses.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $80,000 - $110,000, 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.
• Health Benefits: Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity.
• Retirement Benefits: 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth: Tuition Reimbursement Program

Astronics Corporation serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers, and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.