Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Who We Are

GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. At our core is the space robotics technology that has defined GITAI from the beginning. A small, highly capable engineering team applies that foundation across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for applications such as Earth observation. Today, a major focus of our work is supporting U.S. national security missions, particularly through proliferated LEO satellite constellations and other next-generation space systems. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house. Electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams work closely together, allowing a small team to own complete systems rather than isolated components. This vertical integration helps us move quickly, learn directly from hardware, and shorten the path from architecture to a working system. We are still early. The systems, the company, and the market are all being built at the same time. Requirements change, technical problems are often ambiguous, and many answers do not yet exist. We are looking for exceptional engineers and operators who want broad ownership, can work across disciplines, and are willing to stay close to the hardware until the mission succeeds. Your Mission GITAI builds space and defense hardware through deep vertical integration. We design, prototype, test, and manufacture as much as possible in-house, and rely on suppliers where they can help us move faster. Your job is to make that supply chain work. You will work directly with engineers and program teams to source parts, materials, manufacturing services, and specialized hardware needed for fast-moving development and defense programs. You will own the day-to-day procurement execution from RFQ through delivery. This is a hands-on role. You will find suppliers, get quotes, negotiate terms, place orders, push on lead times, resolve commercial issues, and make sure critical hardware arrives when the team needs it. You will often be negotiating without the purchasing power of a large aerospace prime. Good judgment, persistence, speed, and supplier relationships matter. What You’ll Drive Own procurement from RFQ through delivery for assigned hardware and defense programs. Source machined parts, PCBAs, harnesses, test hardware, raw materials, components, and engineering services. Work directly with engineers to understand technical requirements, schedules, and supplier needs. Evaluate suppliers and quotes based on cost, lead time, quality, capacity, and risk. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery commitments, and other commercial terms. Drive supplier follow-up, resolve delivery issues, and keep critical hardware on schedule. Maintain clear visibility into open POs, supplier commitments, lead times, and program risks. What We’re Looking For A degree in engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, operations management, or a related field. At least 1 year of experience directly supporting hardware development at a VC-backed startup at Series B or earlier stage. Experience in procurement, sourcing, or supplier management for physical hardware. Experience working with technical suppliers in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or another hardware environment. Strong supplier negotiation skills across pricing, lead time, payment terms, and commercial conditions. Ability to work directly with engineers and turn technical requirements into supplier actions. Comfort operating with short timelines, changing requirements, and incomplete processes. U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance if required. Location & Employment Details Location: Torrance, CA (onsite). This is a full-time onsite role based at GITAI’s office in Torrance, CA. This position requires working onsite five days per week. Remote or hybrid work is not expected for this role. Occasional travel to supplier sites may be required as needed to support supplier engagement, negotiations, delivery follow-up, inspections, or other program needs. Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: Base salary for this role is expected to range from $110,000 to $145,000 per year. Final title, compensation, and equity will depend on the candidate’s experience with technical procurement, supplier negotiation, defense programs, export-controlled environments, and ability to build a strong procurement function for engineering-driven hardware programs. Typical Work Hours: Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00am – 6:00pm (onsite). Flexibility is expected based on mission schedules and program needs. Benefits Health Insurance – Platinum medical plan with 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees; 90% for dependents 401(k) Plan – Company match up to 3.5%, with traditional and Roth options Equity – Stock option eligibility depending on role Relocation Support – Available for qualifying positions Time Off – 12 paid holidays per year, 12 days of paid vacation per year, and paid sick leave (in accordance with applicable law) Office Perks – Free snacks and drinks, plus regular team events GITAI does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing or recruiting agencies. We work only with recruiting partners that have been specifically engaged by GITAI. No fees will be paid for resumes submitted without a prior agreement. Compensation may include base salary or hourly pay and, depending on the position, equity. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other job-related factors. LA salary range $110,000—$145,000 USD Important Notice Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), GITAI Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. GITAI USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with GITAI USA is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.