Materials Supervisor

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.


You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.


We're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Materials Supervisor to lead PDW's day-to-day materials operations supporting manufacturing. This role is responsible for leading the team and processes that ensure materials are received, stored, controlled, and delivered to production accurately and on time.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on people leader who can build a high-performing and accountable team while strengthening the processes that support material flow and inventory accuracy. This person will be expected to bring their own materials and operational expertise to the role-executing effectively within existing processes while independently identifying gaps, investigating problems, and helping develop improved processes and standard operating procedures as PDW continues to scale.

What You'll Do

• Lead the day-to-day activities of the materials team supporting warehouse and production operations, including receiving, put-away, kitting, material movement, Kanban, cycle counting, and physical inventory.

• Lead, coach, and develop the team, building a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and high performance through consistent training, feedback, and performance management.

• Ensure employees consistently execute established SOPs, inventory controls, quality requirements, and safety standards.

• Ensure materials are available and delivered to production accurately and on time, using MRP and other planning signals to effectively support manufacturing requirements.

• Monitor materials and inventory KPIs, identify performance gaps, conduct root-cause analysis, and drive sustainable corrective actions.

• Maintain accurate physical and systemic inventory through disciplined receiving, material movement, cycle counting, reconciliation, and ERP transactions.

• Proactively identify and address material risks, shortages, inventory discrepancies, and other issues that could impact production or Clear to Build status.

• Assess materials processes and independently identify opportunities to improve material flow, inventory accuracy, efficiency, safety, and operational controls.

• Develop, refine, and implement SOPs and continuous improvement initiatives, including improvements to warehouse layout, material storage, workflow, and inventory controls.

• Partner cross-functionally with Planning, Procurement, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain leadership to resolve material and inventory issues and continuously improve materials operations.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive experience in materials management, warehouse operations, inventory control, manufacturing logistics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience directly supervising or managing employees, including responsibility for coaching, performance management, accountability, and team development.

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing an operational team through periods of change or process improvement.

• Strong understanding of material flow, inventory management, and warehouse operations within a manufacturing environment.

• Working knowledge of MRP and the ability to translate production requirements into effective materials execution.

• Experience using ERP or warehouse management systems for inventory movement, controls, transactions, reconciliation, analytics, and reporting.

• Demonstrated experience establishing or improving SOPs, operational processes, and inventory controls.

• Strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate operational issues and recommend effective solutions.

• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to inventory accuracy and transactional discipline.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

Preferred

• Experience leading a materials or warehouse team of 10 or more employees.

• Experience in materials management within a complex, multi-assembly manufacturing environment.

• Experience leading teams through operational, cultural, or process transformation.

• Advanced experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP/WMS platform.

• Inventory management, inventory control, or materials planning experience.

• Experience implementing or significantly improving cycle count, Kanban, kitting, material-flow, or inventory-control programs.

• Forklift certification or previous experience operating material-handling equipment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as manufacturing and test equipment, industrial computers, HMIs, and handheld diagnostic tools. Must be physically capable of walking production floors, accessing equipment in constrained spaces, participating in factory acceptance testing, and supporting on-site system deployments.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to manufacturing equipment, automated machinery, test systems, and industrial materials. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are full-time, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits


PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement


PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.