Inventory Specialist

Inventory SpecialistTorrance, CA, USAAbout the Job Inventory SpecialistCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We're designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge and deter future conflicts.As an Inventory Specialist, you'll play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of inventory operations across physical and system environments. Working closely with Purchasing, Production, and Supply Chain teams, you will ensure that materials are accurately received, tracked, stored, and issued to support production schedules.This role requires strong attention to detail, hands-on execution, and a continuous improvement mindset. You will be responsible for ensuring that physical inventory aligns precisely with system data to enable reliable production planning and operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.ResponsibilitiesTrack, receive, identify, and document inbound inventory in accordance with company procedures.Coordinate shipping activities and ensure outbound materials are accurately processed and documented.Maintain alignment between physical inventory stock levels and corresponding quantities and locations within the ERP system.Own inventory accuracy by executing and maintaining a robust cycle count program.Perform regular physical inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies between physical and system records.Collaborate with Purchasing, Production, and cross-functional stakeholders to investigate and resolve inventory variances.Identify root causes of discrepancies and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.Support daily production kitting and ensure the production floor is supplied with required materials per the monthly production plan.Optimize physical storage locations to improve space utilization, material flow, and accessibility.Maintain compliance with company procedures, documentation standards, and security requirements.Lift, carry, handle, and transport materials up to 50 lbs unassisted as required.Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory control, process efficiency, and data accuracy.Basic QualificationsHigh school diploma or vocational school diploma.3+ years of experience in Material Management, Manufacturing Operations, or a related field.Experience working in ERP systems within a manufacturing environment.Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyze and reconcile data.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Self-motivated individual with a hands-on approach and a demonstrated continuous improvement mindset.Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.Preferred Skills and ExperienceExperience supporting inventory operations in aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing environments.Experience driving process improvements in inventory control or warehouse operations.Familiarity with structured cycle count programs and audit readiness practices.Experience supporting production kitting and material flow optimization.Professional certifications in supply chain or operations (e.g., APICS) are a plus.All employees are granted long-term stock incentives as part of their employment as Castelion. All employees receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, and the company offers three weeks of paid time off per year.Leadership QualitiesBias to Action and Creative Problem Solving. Desire and experience questioning assumptions in ways that lead to break through ideas that are ultimately implemented. Successfully bring in applicable processes/concepts/materials from other industries to achieve efficiency gains. Ability to personally resolve minor issues in development without requiring significant support.High Commitment, High Initiative. A successful candidate will have a genuine passion for Castelion's mission and consistently look for ways to contribute to the company's technical goals and prevent hardware blockers. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere. Strong sense of accountability and integrity.Clear Communicator. Proactively communicates blockers. Trusted in previous roles to be voice of company with regulators, suppliers, gate keepers and customers. Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company-desired outcomes without compromising relationships. Emails, IMs and verbal interactions are logical, drive clarity, and detailed enough to eliminate ambiguity.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.Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of 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.