Manager, Supply Chain

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.

We are looking for a Manager, Supply Chain to build and lead our U.S. supply chain organization. You will manage both the people and the processes: leading a team of buyers, planners, and logistics and receiving staff, while setting up the procurement, subcontracting, and compliance systems a growing space company needs. You will work side by side with engineers to source flight-quality parts and services, keep builds on schedule, and make sure every purchase and shipment meets U.S. government contracting and export control requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the supply chain team, including hiring, goal setting, performance reviews, and workload planning

• Set team priorities, metrics, and standards, documentation and build a culture of accountability and clear communication

• Scale the team and its processes as program volume grows

• Scale the supplier base to enable global impact

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Own the procurement strategy for flight hardware, materials, electronics, machined parts, test services, and subcontracts

• Source, qualify, and manage suppliers, including negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and quality requirements

• Build and maintain approved supplier lists, supplier scorecards, and periodic supplier assessments

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring quality standards, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery schedules

• Manage supplier performance issues, corrective actions, and escalations with Quality and Engineering

• Manage supply risk, including long-lead items, single-source suppliers, obsolescence, and counterfeit part prevention

Government Contracts Compliance (FAR / DFARS)

• Ensure purchase orders and subcontracts include the correct FAR, DFARS, and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) clauses and customer flow-downs

• Manage subcontract compliance topics such as DPAS ratings, specialty metals, counterfeit parts, small business subcontracting, and supplier cybersecurity requirements

• Support customer and government audits, purchasing system reviews, and proposal and cost or pricing support

Export Control & Trade Compliance (ITAR / EAR)

• Ensure procurement and logistics activities comply with ITAR and EAR, including supplier screening, license and agreement requirements, and U.S. person restrictions

• Work with the Empowered Official and legal counsel on export classifications, technical assistance agreements, licenses, and technical data transfers

• Manage international shipments, customs, import and export documentation, and freight forwarders, including hardware and data flowing to and from our Japan office

• Maintain export compliance training, recordkeeping, and internal controls within the supply chain function

• Partner with legal team to ensure supply chain complies with regulatory requirements including ITAR and export control laws

Engineering Partnership & Program Support

• Work directly with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to understand requirements, review BOMs, and source parts that meet technical and schedule needs

• Provide program management with early input on lead times, cost, supplier capability, and alternates during design

• Partner with Production and AI&T to align material availability with build and test schedules

• Coordinate with Quality on receiving inspection, nonconforming material, and supplier corrective actions

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

• 10+ years of supply chain, procurement, or subcontracts experience, ideally in aerospace, space, or defense, including at least 4 years leading people

• Hands-on experience with FAR and DFARS requirements in procurement and subcontracting

• Hands-on experience with ITAR and export control compliance in a supply chain setting

• Proven experience managing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and resolving supply issues on complex hardware

• Experience building or improving procurement processes, policies, and systems

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain metrics

• Ability to read and discuss engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications well enough to work effectively with engineers

• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills

• Results-driven mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, startup environment paired with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What Makes You Stand Out!

• Experience with spaceflight hardware programs, NASA contracts, or NASA FAR Supplement requirements

• Experience with international supply chains and working with overseas partners or affiliates

• Familiarity with AS9100, counterfeit parts prevention (AS5553 / AS6174), and flight-quality supplier requirements

• Experience with NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC requirements for suppliers

• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CFCM

• Experience with EEE parts, raw materials, or long-lead flight hardware procurement

• Experience in a startup or fast-growing company environment

$133,000 - $200,000 a year

The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position. Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training. We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.

Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.

Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.

Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.

Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.

Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.

Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.

Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.

Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.

Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.

Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly events to connect and unwind.

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At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.here.

ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace 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.

All applicants who are offered employment with ispaceUS will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.

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