Manager, Supply Chain

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