Manager, Supply Chain

We are looking for a Manager, Supply Chain to build and lead our U.S. supply chain organization. You will manage both the people and the processes: leading a team of buyers, planners, and logistics and receiving staff, while setting up the procurement, subcontracting, and compliance systems a growing space company needs. You will work side by side with engineers to source flight-quality parts and services, keep builds on schedule, and make sure every purchase and shipment meets U.S. government contracting and export control requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the supply chain team, including hiring, goal setting, performance reviews, and workload planning

• Set team priorities, metrics, and standards, documentation and build a culture of accountability and clear communication

• Scale the team and its processes as program volume grows

• Scale the supplier base to enable global impact

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Own the procurement strategy for flight hardware, materials, electronics, machined parts, test services, and subcontracts

• Source, qualify, and manage suppliers, including negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and quality requirements

• Build and maintain approved supplier lists, supplier scorecards, and periodic supplier assessments

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring quality standards, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery schedules

• Manage supplier performance issues, corrective actions, and escalations with Quality and Engineering

• Manage supply risk, including long-lead items, single-source suppliers, obsolescence, and counterfeit part prevention

Government Contracts Compliance (FAR / DFARS)

• Ensure purchase orders and subcontracts include the correct FAR, DFARS, and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) clauses and customer flow-downs

• Manage subcontract compliance topics such as DPAS ratings, specialty metals, counterfeit parts, small business subcontracting, and supplier cybersecurity requirements

• Support customer and government audits, purchasing system reviews, and proposal and cost or pricing support

Export Control & Trade Compliance (ITAR / EAR)

• Ensure procurement and logistics activities comply with ITAR and EAR, including supplier screening, license and agreement requirements, and U.S. person restrictions

• Work with the Empowered Official and legal counsel on export classifications, technical assistance agreements, licenses, and technical data transfers

• Manage international shipments, customs, import and export documentation, and freight forwarders, including hardware and data flowing to and from our Japan office

• Maintain export compliance training, recordkeeping, and internal controls within the supply chain function

• Partner with legal team to ensure supply chain complies with regulatory requirements including ITAR and export control laws

Engineering Partnership & Program Support

• Work directly with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to understand requirements, review BOMs, and source parts that meet technical and schedule needs

• Provide program management with early input on lead times, cost, supplier capability, and alternates during design

• Partner with Production and AI&T to align material availability with build and test schedules

• Coordinate with Quality on receiving inspection, nonconforming material, and supplier corrective actions

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

• 10+ years of supply chain, procurement, or subcontracts experience, ideally in aerospace, space, or defense, including at least 4 years leading people

• Hands-on experience with FAR and DFARS requirements in procurement and subcontracting

• Hands-on experience with ITAR and export control compliance in a supply chain setting

• Proven experience managing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and resolving supply issues on complex hardware

• Experience building or improving procurement processes, policies, and systems

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain metrics

• Ability to read and discuss engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications well enough to work effectively with engineers

• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills

• Results-driven mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, startup environment paired with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What Makes You Stand Out!

• Experience with spaceflight hardware programs, NASA contracts, or NASA FAR Supplement requirements

• Experience with international supply chains and working with overseas partners or affiliates

• Familiarity with AS9100, counterfeit parts prevention (AS5553 / AS6174), and flight-quality supplier requirements

• Experience with NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC requirements for suppliers

• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CFCM

• Experience with EEE parts, raw materials, or long-lead flight hardware procurement

• Experience in a startup or fast-growing company environment