Senior Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager

About Us We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and top-tier Silicon Valley firms. We're assembling a high-agency team committed to moving fast, solving hard problems, and defending what matters most. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

Role Overview

As our Supply Chain Manager you will stand up and scale a full-stack supply chain operation from the ground up. You will own vendor strategy, sourcing, procurement, warehousing and logistics for mission-critical components. You'll work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to make sure we move as fast as our ambition demands.

This is not a "manage-the-status-quo" role—this is a builder role. You'll be expected to create structure where none exists, automate what can be automated, and push our suppliers to meet ambitious timelines with a high level of quality. Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end procurement process: sourcing, negotiating, purchasing, and vendor management
• Develop a supplier network for mechanical, electrical, software, and COTS components aligned to defense-grade reliability and timelines
• Collaborate with engineering to identify long-lead items early and develop should-cost models
• Help set up and manage systems for inventory, ERP, MRP, and logistics
• Drive cost, quality, and delivery (QCD) improvements using lean principles and supplier scorecards
• Build and manage strategic relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Navigate ITAR, DFARS, and other regulatory requirements without slowing down development
• Scale the function from "scrappy startup" to "production-ready" as the company grows

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing, ideally in aerospace, defense, automotive, or high-growth hardware
• Deep understanding of hardware and electrical product development cycles from prototyping to production
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and deliver under pressure
• Familiarity with defense compliance (e.g., ITAR, DFARS, FAR)
• Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills; ERP and MRP experience (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, or custom solutions)

Who You Are

• A builder's mindset: comfortable working with ambiguity, rolling up your sleeves, and figuring things out fast
• You believe quality and speed are not mutually exclusive.
• You take ownership and drive continuous improvement without waiting for permission.