Principal Specialist, Procurement (Onsite)

RTX•Rockford, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Collins Aerospace as a Principal Specialist, Procurement and play a critical role at the center of program execution, material readiness, and production success. In this highly collaborative position, you’ll serve as a key liaison between supply chain, quality, operations, engineering and program teams—ensuring materials, suppliers, and systems are aligned to meet demanding schedules and mission-critical objectives. From evaluating suppliers and managing procurement execution to maintaining BOM health and resolving material constraints, your work will directly impact the ability to deliver complex aerospace and defense solutions on time and at scale. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven environment and enjoys solving complex problems across multiple sites and stakeholders. You’ll gain visibility into end-to-end supply chain operations while influencing decisions that affect production flow, supplier performance, and overall program success. If you’re looking to build your expertise, take ownership of meaningful work, and contribute to high-impact programs, this is an opportunity to grow your career while helping shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
2+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations support, with exposure to supplier management, material planning, and cross-functional coordination

Nice To Haves

Experience utilizing SAP or similar ERP systems in a supply chain or procurement environment
Experience supporting material readiness, supplier coordination, or Bill of Material (BOM) management
Demonstrated ability to manage detailed work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders across all levels of the organization
Experience coordinating supply chain activities across multiple sites or organizations

Responsibilities

Acts as the primary liaison for the material and supply organization, partnering with program, operations, engineering, and planning teams to guide and align supply chain processes
Reviews and manages a high volume and variety of materials, supplies, and services in support of program requirements
Evaluates bids and recommends suppliers and components aligned to program objectives, ensuring award execution through order completion
Coordinates cross-site supply chain activities across Rockford, Coralville, and Phoenix to maintain BOM health, part readiness, supplier alignment, and material availability
Partners with procurement teams to prioritize material shortages, supplier constraints, and high-risk issues impacting production
Provides regular reporting to Operations leadership on supply chain performance, material readiness, supplier risks, and mitigation plans
Analyzes complex supply chain challenges, applying sound judgment to develop solutions aligned with established policies and organizational objectives
Plans and executes assigned work independently, establishing priorities and managing activities to meet program timelines and deliverables
Serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, collaborating with senior personnel on cross-functional supply chain initiatives
Utilizes ERP systems and standard supply chain processes to manage procurement execution and drive material outcomes across assigned commodities and programs
This role requires up to 20% travel, generally involving short trips a few days at a time, up to twice per month

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
And more!