Head of Supply Chain

Job Details: Head of Supply Chain - Own the Hardware Behind the Mission Carson, CA | On‑Site Build the supply chain that keeps critical spacecraft flying You’ll own the entire supply chain engine behind a portfolio of autonomous spacecraft systems that protect critical orbital assets and national security missions. This is where aggressive innovation meets disciplined execution. You’ll design and run the supplier strategy, procurement execution, and hardware readiness that let engineering move fast without ever gambling on reliability. You’re the one who sees risk coming, lines up the right partners, and ensures the right hardware is on the floor exactly when it’s needed. If you’ve led supply chain in fast-paced aerospace or defense environments and love building from first principles, we want to talk to you. What You’ll Work On Spacecraft hardware and product supply chain strategy Supplier sourcing, qualification, and vendor management Procurement and long-lead material planning Manufacturing, integration, and test material coordination Purchasing, inventory, and production planning processes Risk identification and mitigation across suppliers and materials Prototype-to-production transitions for mission‑critical hardware High-impact, scaling supply chain organization design You’ll be operating in high-reliability aerospace / defense environments where every component, every schedule, and every decision matters. Your mission: build a resilient, high-velocity supply chain that never becomes the bottleneck. What You’ll Be Doing Owning company-wide supply chain strategy across spacecraft hardware and products Leading supplier sourcing, qualification, negotiation, and ongoing vendor management Driving procurement execution and long-lead planning to hit aggressive development timelines Partnering with engineering to improve manufacturability, scalability, and hardware readiness Working with manufacturing to ensure materials are ready for build, integration, and test Identifying and mitigating supplier, production, and material risks before they impact schedules Establishing and refining purchasing, inventory management, and production planning processes Implementing and leveraging ERP/MRP tools and purchasing workflows to increase visibility and control Supporting rapid development programs and smooth prototype-to-production transitions Building, mentoring, and leading a high-performing supply chain organization as the company scales Acting as the primary operational authority for supply chain planning and execution across programs Driving a culture of simplicity, accountability, and disciplined execution within supply chain What We’re Looking For B.S. or higher in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field 8+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, spacecraft, aviation, robotics, or other high-reliability hardware environments Proven track record managing complex suppliers, procurement activities, and hardware delivery schedules Deep understanding of supply chain operations, production planning, and hardware lifecycle management Experience supporting rapid development programs and prototype-to-production transitions History of operating cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams Comfort in fast-paced, high‑accountability environments Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, purchasing workflows, and inventory management practices Strong organizational, communication, and execution skills Familiarity with aerospace quality, traceability, DFARS, and ITAR environments (preferred). The Experience That Will Really Get Our Attention You’ve been the point person when hardware timelines were non‑negotiable, requirements kept evolving, and failure wasn’t an option. You know how to stabilize chaos without slowing the mission down, and you’ve built processes that engineering teams actually like using. Your background likely spans emerging aerospace, defense, or robotics programs where you’ve taken hardware from concept through rapid prototyping into production while navigating strict quality, traceability, and regulatory constraints. High‑signal experience: aerospace supply chain operations defense or spacecraft hardware programs high‑reliability components prototype‑to‑production transitions ERP/MRP implementation or optimization DFARS ITAR aerospace quality and traceability Why This Opportunity? You’re not inheriting a bloated, slow‑moving machine—you’re building the operational backbone for next‑generation autonomous orbital control systems. You’ll sit at the center of engineering, manufacturing, and programs, with true ownership from first principles through flight. Every supplier you qualify, every process you design, and every risk you retire directly shapes the future of resilient, mission‑critical spacecraft autonomy. Important Requirements This is a fully on‑site role (no remote or hybrid arrangements). U.S. Citizenship Is Required. Ability to obtain or hold an active TS/SCI clearance is desired. Keywords Head of Supply Chain, Supply Chain Director, Supply Chain Leader, Supply Chain Manager, Spacecraft Supply Chain, Aerospace Supply Chain, Defense Supply Chain, Hardware Supply Chain, Production Planning, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, Vendor Management, ERP, MRP, Inventory Management, DFARS, ITAR, Aerospace Quality, Traceability, Hardware Lifecycle Management, Prototype to Production, Manufacturing, Integration, Test, High Reliability Hardware, Orbital Systems, Space Systems, Operations, Supply Chain Strategy, National Security Space #J-18808-Ljbffr