{"id":673224,"url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-sourcing-procurement-manager","title":"Sourcing & Procurement Manager","company":{"id":678446,"name":"Observable Space","domain":"observable.space","url":"https://alion.io/company/observable-3","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":78,"open_postings":9,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.667,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":67,"computed_at":"2026-10-30T05:48:23Z"}},"role":"Operations","role_family":"Operations","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Los Angeles, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":145000,"max":175000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":175000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-05-29T17:55:55Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-05","last_verified_at":"2026-10-30T22:31:46Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":154,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":152},"description":"About Observable Space\nAt Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.\nWe combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.\nObservable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.\nAbout the Role\nWe are looking for a Sourcing & Procurement Manager to support our operations across Los Angeles, CA and our manufacturing campus in Adrian and Detroit, MI. You will be embedded with the teams defining the requirements and building the supplier relationships that keep our programs moving.\nThis is a hands-on role with real strategic scope. You will own day-to-day purchasing while driving category strategy, supplier development, and cost optimization across the organization. Your sourcing decisions will directly influence product cost, production schedules, and our ability to deliver on programs that matter - from ground-based observation systems to space optics and laser communications platforms.\nWhat You'll Do\nStrategic Sourcing\nDevelop and execute category strategies for precision optics, electromechanical components, and related hardware in close collaboration with sourcing and engineering leadership\n\nLead competitive RFQ/RFP processes, evaluating suppliers across quality, cost, lead time, and supply risk\n\nSupport make-vs-buy analyses and bring data-driven recommendations to sourcing and engineering decisions\n\nIdentify opportunities to consolidate the supplier base, reduce total cost of ownership, and improve supply chain resilience\n\nMonitor supply market conditions and proactively surface risks and opportunities to leadership\n\nSupplier Management & Negotiation\nBuild and own relationships with key suppliers\n\nNegotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contractual conditions for standard and non-standard purchases\n\nConduct supplier performance reviews and drive corrective actions where needed\n\nOnboard new suppliers in coordination with quality and engineering teams\n\nTactical Purchasing & Operations\nOwn the full purchase order lifecycle - from requisition through receipt and invoice reconciliation\n\nEnsure all spend follows corporate approval processes and procurement policies\n\nManage open orders, expedite critical deliveries, and resolve supplier issues to keep programs on schedule\n\nCoordinate closely with the Logistics team to optimize inbound freight and delivery planning\n\nMaintain accurate records and spend data in ERP/procurement systems\n\nSupport inventory management activities including safety stock planning and excess/obsolete material disposition\n\nCross-Functional Collaboration\nServe as the primary purchasing point of contact for engineering, software, manufacturing, and operations teams across LA and Michigan sites\n\nEngage early in new product introduction processes to support supplier identification and component qualification\n\nContribute to continuous improvement across the procurement function\n\nWhat You’ll Bring\n5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, with a mix of strategic sourcing and hands-on tactical buying\n\nDemonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships\n\nFamiliarity with optical systems, precision hardware, electromechanical components, or aerospace/defense supply chains strongly preferred\n\nProficiency with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, or similar) and procurement tools\n\nComfortable working with data: spend analysis, supplier scorecards, and cost modeling\n\nBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred\n\nCPSM, CPIM, or equivalent certification is a plus\n\nWho You Are\nYou move fluidly between strategic work and execution - equally at home in a supplier negotiation and chasing down a late PO\n\nHighly organized and effective in a fast-paced environment where production schedules have real consequences\n\nYou communicate clearly and build trust quickly - with suppliers, engineers, and leadership alike\n\nProactive by nature: you anticipate supply problems before they become crises\n\nAnalytically driven, but you know when to act on judgment and experience\n\nWhat We Offer\nCompetitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.\nEquity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.\nFlexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)\nUnlimited PTO (exempt only) - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.\nHealth & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.\nCutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.\nMission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.\nInclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.\nObservable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.","description_format":"text","description_chars":6385,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Flexible schedule","Hybrid work","Stock options","Unlimited PTO"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Supply Chain","Satellite Manufacturing","Space Services","Optics & Photonic Components"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-10T22:35:21Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":19,"band":"cold","label":"Long shot","p_open":1,"p_active":0.67,"p_room":0.28,"age_days":153,"expected_fill_days":67,"reasons":["conf:0","win:tail","crowd:"],"computed_at":"2026-10-30T05:48:23Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":175000,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-sourcing-procurement-manager","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-sourcing-procurement-manager.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-31T00:27:17Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":707,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-01T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":678446},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=678446"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fobservable-sourcing-procurement-manager"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fobservable-sourcing-procurement-manager"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fobservable-sourcing-procurement-manager"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/observable-sourcing-procurement-manager\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fobservable-sourcing-procurement-manager"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":673224}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"observable.space","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":673224},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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