Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager

El Segundo, California

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

What You'll Do:

As a Supply Chain Manager, you will support the procurement, supplier management, material planning, and inventory activities essential to our engineering and manufacturing teams. You will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient flow of materials needed to build next-generation aerospace hardware, working closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities:

• Create and manage purchase orders for engineering, manufacturing, and operational needs
• Request supplier quotations and compare pricing, lead times, and capabilities
• Track purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of materials
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve shortages, delays, and quality issues
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors
• Assist with supplier onboarding and performance tracking
• Help identify alternate suppliers to reduce supply risk
• Support supplier negotiations for pricing and delivery improvements
• Monitor inventory levels and support material planning activities
• Coordinate with manufacturing to ensure material availability for production schedules
• Assist with receiving, inventory reconciliation, and material tracking
• Help maintain accurate inventory records within the ERP system
• Work closely with engineering to source prototype and production components
• Support manufacturing with material availability and scheduling priorities
• Assist with tracking critical hardware and long-lead items
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain organization

What it takes:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing operations
• Experience supporting manufacturing or engineering organizations
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience using ERP systems (NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple teams
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

What we'd love:

• Aerospace or defense industry experience
• Experience supporting prototype or low-volume manufacturing
• Familiarity with machining, fabrication, electronics, or aerospace components
• Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements
• Experience working in a startup environment
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills
• Passion for the commercial and national security space industry

What We Offer:

• Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Pay Range

$85,000 - $115,000 USD