Strategic Sourcing Specialist II/III

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation has an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Sourcing Specialist II/III to join our talented and collaborative team. In this role, you'll partner with our People Acquisition team to identify and engage top talent through creative and innovative sourcing strategies. We're a dynamic, progressive team looking for a proactive go-getter who's passionate about connecting exceptional candidates with meaningful opportunities.

The ideal candidate brings strong direct sourcing expertise, exceptional organizational skills, and thrives in fast-paced environments managing multiple requisitions simultaneously. Success in this position requires creativity, persistence, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to build authentic relationships with highly sought-after talent for high-demand, niche technical roles.

This position is full-time, 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA., or El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage and prioritize multiple sourcing requests, maintaining organized workflows and ensuring timely delivery on all requisitions

• Own your desk by tracking candidate pipelines, requisition status, and sourcing activities with precision and accountability

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies to build robust technical talent pipelines

• Proactively identify and engage passive candidates, assessing fit and motivation beyond just selling the role

• Build and maintain a strong network of potential candidates through continuous market research and relationship management

• Maintain meticulous records of candidate information, interactions, and status updates in our Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

• Partner with hiring managers to understand ongoing needs and determine the optimal sourcing mix for each role

• Organize and coordinate sourcing activities across multiple business units, balancing competing priorities effectively

• Leverage social networks, professional platforms, and other channels to connect with target talent

• Support and participate in recruiting events and talent initiatives

• Thrive in an innovative, collaborative environment where we work hard, have fun, and deliver results

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Strategic Sourcing Specialist II:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Three or more years of progressive recruiting/sourcing experience with demonstrated success in candidate engagement and closing

• Exceptional organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple requisitions, priorities, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously

• Strong desk management capabilities including pipeline tracking, requisition prioritization, and proactive workload planning

• Demonstrated ability to respond with urgency to sourcing requests while maintaining quality and attention to detail

• Exceptional knowledge of sourcing tools, methodologies, and Boolean search techniques

• Proven ability to build talent pipelines and develop new sourcing channels for diverse positions

• Deep understanding of the external recruiting landscape and talent market trends

• Advanced proficiency with ATS systems with the ability to learn new technologies quickly

• Excellent communication and persuasion skills with the ability to articulate our value proposition

• Experience sourcing both cleared and non-cleared passive candidates

• Ability to leverage sourcing metrics and data in strategic conversations with stakeholders

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while managing competing deadlines

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Strategic Sourcing Specialist III include:

• Five or more years of progressive recruiting/sourcing experience with demonstrated success in candidate engagement and closing

How You Can Stand Out

• Bachelor's degree in related field

• Prior agency recruiting experience

• Experience recruiting for aerospace, defense, or highly technical industries

• Familiarity with sourcing candidates with security clearance requirements

• Track record of managing high-volume requisition loads (10+ open roles) with strong organizational systems

• Experience with Workday ATS

• Proficiency with LinkedIn Recruiter and advanced search techniques

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.