How is aviation supply chain different from general logistics?

It is strictly regulated (ITAR/FAA) and focuses on 'traceability' and 'quality' over just speed. A missing part document can ground a plane, so keywords like 'compliance' and 'traceability' are vital.

Should I list ITAR experience?

Yes. If you have experience with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) or EAR (Export Administration Regulations), list it. This allows you to work on defense contracts.

What ERP systems are most common?

SAP (specific modules like MM, PP, SD) and Oracle are standard in large aerospace firms. List your specific proficiency level (e.g., 'Super User').

How do I show cost savings?

Use metrics. 'Negotiated 15% cost reduction' or 'Consolidated vendor base from 50 to 10.' Numbers speak louder than words.

Can I pivot to other industries?

Absolutely. Aerospace supply chain is considered the 'gold standard' for complexity. Your skills transfer easily to automotive, pharma, and tech hardware.

Aviation Supply Chain Resume Keywords (2025): Procurement & Logistics

🚨 Defense Supply Chain Shifts = New Opportunities (and Risks).

Recent restructuring at Boeing Defense and other major contractors means the market is flooding with qualified supply chain talent. To stand out, you can't just be a "Buyer" or "Coordinator." You need to be a "Strategic Sourcing Specialist" with "ITAR expertise."

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What Are Aviation Supply Chain Resume Keywords?

Aviation supply chain keywords combine standard logistics terms (Procurement, Logistics) with highly specific regulatory and technical terms (AOG, MRO, FAA form 8130-3).

Recruiters are looking for professionals who understand the high stakes of aerospace logistics. A delayed shipment in retail is an annoyance; a delayed shipment in aviation is an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation costing $50k+ per hour.

2025/2026 Market Data: Demand & Salaries

Supply chain roles in aerospace are evolving. Demand for compliance and "resilience" experts is spiking.

Supply Chain Specialist: $53,000 - $80,000 (Entry)
ITAR Compliance Officer: $61,000 - $140,000+ (High Demand)
Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO): $220,000 - $350,000+
Top Skill: Demand for Trade Compliance Advisors in DC/VA area is surging due to geopolitical shifts.

Core Keywords by Role

1. Procurement & Sourcing

For Buyers, Purchasing Managers, and Sourcing Specialists.

Category	Keywords
Strategy	Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Management, Contract Negotiation, Supplier Diversity, RFP/RFQ Management
Financial	Cost Reduction, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Spend Analysis, Price Variance
Vendor	Supplier Performance Management (SPM), Supplier Scorecards, Auditing

2. Logistics & Materials Management

For Material Planners, Inventory Specialists, and Logistics Coordinators.

Category	Keywords
Inventory	Inventory Control, Cycle Counting, Safety Stock, JIT (Just-in-Time), KanBan, VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory)
Operations	AOG (Aircraft on Ground) Support, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), Expediting
Shipping	Incoterms 2020, 3PL Management, Freight Forwarding, Customs Compliance

3. Compliance & Quality (The Differentiators)

This is what separates Aviation pros from the rest.

Category	Keywords
Regulations	ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), EAR, FAR/DFARS
Quality	AS9100, ISO 9001, Traceability, Counterfeit Parts Prevention (AS6081), FAIR (First Article Inspection Report)
Documentation	FAA Form 8130-3, Certificate of Conformity (CoC), Material Test Reports (MTR)

The ERP & Tools Section

Aerospace runs on ERP. Be specific.

SAP: MM (Materials Management), PP (Production Planning), APO (Advanced Planning & Optimizer)
Oracle: NetSuite, Oracle SCM Cloud
Software: Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables), Tableau, Power BI (for analytics)

Resume Bullet Examples: Weak vs. Strong

❌ Weak (Generic):

"Bought parts for aircraft production and talked to suppliers about price."

✅ Strong (ATS Optimized):

"Managed a $15M annual spend for aerospace raw materials, negotiating contracts with global suppliers to achieve a 12% cost reduction (PPV) while maintaining AS9100 compliance."

Why the second one wins:

Metric: $15M spend, 12% reduction
Keyword: PPV (Purchase Price Variance)
Compliance: AS9100

❌ Weak:

"Handled shipping for airplane parts."

✅ Strong:

"Coordinated critical AOG (Aircraft on Ground) shipments for B787 fleet, ensuring 24/7 availability and managing Import/Export compliance (ITAR/EAR)."

Final Thoughts: The Supply Chain is the Lifeline

In 2026, companies aren't just looking for people who can move boxes. They are looking for people who can optimize networks, ensure compliance, and save money.

Your resume needs to show you are a strategic asset, not just a tactical buyer.

Is your resume compliant?

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