Supply Chain Manager
Kepler Communications Inc.
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Kepler Communications Inc. is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to own procurement, supplier management, and material readiness across satellite programs.
You will bridge engineering, program management, manufacturing, and external suppliers to ensure robust, agile, and cost-effective supply chains for prototype builds to constellation-scale production. The role focuses on defining supply chain strategies, leading sourcing activities, and mitigating risks while optimizing costs and performance in a
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Engineering or Business Administration.
- 3+ years of experience in supply chain management, engineering or engineering adjacent roles.
- Direct experience sourcing medium-to-high complexity electro-mechanical and electrical components and small/medium assemblies.
- Experience with mechanical or electrical engineering concepts related to component procurement.
- Understanding of manufacturing/fabrication process related to mechanical or electrical components (PCB/PCBA).
- Experience with using ERP, Procurement or MRP systems.
- Ability to assess sourcing, programmatic and technical risk associated with bringing a product from development to production.
- Experience building automated & scalable reporting methodologies.
Responsibilities
- Play a key role in defining and implementing supply chain strategies to meet the needs of the Program including leading NPI activities for high complexity electromechanical components and assemblies from inception to production
- Lead supplier sourcing activities for internal product teams (IPTs) developing spacecraft subsystems and customer hardware
- Identify and manage supply chain commercial and program risk including the development of appropriate contingency plans
- Optimize component and supplier selection through cost analysis, total cost of ownership, and make-or-buy evaluations
- Define and implement procurement strategies across products and programs aligned with technical product requirements
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity from sourcing to program delivery
- Gather bids & lead reviews with program leadership and key stakeholders
- Develop negotiation plans based on the needs of the business
- Lead supplier onboarding activities while maintaining and updating approved supplier lists (ASL)
- Optimize component and supplier selection, analyze equipment costs and drive savings
- Tactical buying purchase order generation for commodities, services and equipment
- Lead supplier due diligence initiatives and onboarding
- Act as point of contact for suppliers by confirming delivery schedules, resolving non-conformities and discrepancies, escalating delays, identify and mitigate risks
- Drive supplier relationship management to ensure responsiveness and reliability by maintaining supplier scorecards and department KPIs
- Support the Quality team to address supplier non-conformances, ensuring timely implementation and verification of corrective actions
- Own assigned engineering work packages to maintain control of the costed bill of materials and enable smooth, timely supply delivery
- Influence design decisions by proactively identifying and advocating for feasible, cost-effective solutions
- Work upstream with the technical community to accelerate and de-risk procurement for long lead and EEE components
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of connectivity - we’re leading it!
Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access in space, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 23 satellites already launched and a next-generation optical network on the way, we’re creating the infrastructure that will power the space economy for decades to come.
Technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.
If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler!
- Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.
- Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents.
- Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown.
- Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.
- Relocation packages available for approved roles.
- $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.
- Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.
- Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.
- We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, seven years in a row!
As a Supply Chain Manager at Kepler, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end ownership of procurement, supplier management, and material readiness across satellite programs. You will bridge the gap between engineering, program management, manufacturing and external suppliers, ensuring that Kepler’s missions from prototype builds to constellation-scale production are supported by a robust, agile, and cost-effective supply chain.
This role goes beyond transactional procurement; it’s about strategic partnership, technical acumen and operational execution in a very fast-moving space environment.
- Play a key role in defining and implementing supply chain strategies to meet the needs of the Program including leading NPI activities for high complexity electromechanical components and assemblies from inception to production
- Lead supplier sourcing activities for internal product teams (IPTs) developing spacecraft subsystems and customer hardware
- Identify and manage supply chain commercial and program risk including the development of appropriate contingency plans
- Optimize component and supplier selection through cost analysis, total cost of ownership, and make-or-buy evaluations
- Define and implement procurement strategies across products and programs aligned with technical product requirements
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity from sourcing to program delivery
- Gather bids & lead reviews with program leadership and key stakeholders
- Develop negotiation plans based on the needs of the business
- Lead supplier onboarding activities while maintaining and updating approved supplier lists (ASL)
- Optimize component and supplier selection, analyze equipment costs and drive savings
- Tactical buying purchase order generation for commodities, services and equipment
- Lead supplier due diligence initiatives and onboarding
- Act as point of contact for suppliers by confirming delivery schedules, resolving non-conformities and discrepancies, escalating delays, identify and mitigate risks
- Drive supplier relationship management to ensure responsiveness and reliability by maintaining supplier scorecards and department KPIs
- Support the Quality team to address supplier non-conformances, ensuring timely implementation and verification of corrective actions
- Own assigned engineering work packages to maintain control of the costed bill of materials and enable smooth, timely supply delivery
- Influence design decisions by proactively identifying and advocating for feasible, cost-effective solutions
- Work upstream with the technical community to accelerate and de-risk procurement for long lead and EEE components
- Lead Clear to Build reviews and Coordinate BoM Readiness Reviews (BRR)
- Coordinate and support Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)
- Participate in production standups communicating expected delivery dates, delays and key updates, including coordination of schedules and expected deliverables
- Support ERP system refinement and data accuracy to enhance visibility and decision-making
- Develop scalable processes & tools to support Kepler’s growth toward larger constellation production
- Identify automation or digitization opportunities for supply chain data collection activities
- Help drive implementation of inventory management system (IMS)
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Engineering or Business Administration
- 3+ years of experience in supply chain management, engineering or engineering adjacent roles
- Direct experience sourcing medium-to-high complexity electro-mechanical and electrical components and small/medium assemblies
- Experience with mechanical or electrical engineering concepts related to component procurement
- Understanding of manufacturing/fabrication process related to mechanical or electrical components (PCB/PCBA)
- Experience with using ERP, Procurement or MRP systems
- Ability to assess sourcing, programmatic and technical risk associated with bringing a product from development to production
- Experience building automated & scalable reporting methodologies
- Experience with using NetSuite ERP
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or any other relevant degree
- Previous work in space, aerospace, or a high complexity hardware industry
- Experience with CGP, ITAR, EAR, or Controlled Goods sourcing & procurement
- Experience building scalable & sustainable processes & tools
- Lean Six Sigma or PMP designation
- Experience reading and analyzing engineering drawings and 3D models
- Experience with supplier terms and conditions or master supplier agreements (MSA) covering pricing structures, lead times, warranty, quality standards, and delivery terms
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