Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain Lead

Stealth Mode; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace startup located in El Segundo is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to manage and execute vital supply chain processes. This hands-on role requires a candidate with 5-7 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, and supplier coordination within fast-paced environments. The successful candidate will ensure efficient procurement practices and maintain supplier performance. The role operates amidst a unique and rapidly evolving industry landscape, focusing on precision, timing, and innovation.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing.
• Experience executing procure-to-pay processes and supplier coordination.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day procure-to-pay process.
• Support and execute RFQ/RFP processes.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers for on-time delivery.
• Track supplier performance and escalate issues as needed.
• Monitor open orders and address risks.

Skills

Supply chain management

Procurement

Supplier coordination

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Tools

NetSuite

SAP

Job description

About The Company

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, 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 rms. We're assembling a high urgency 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.

About The Company

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, 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 rms. We're assembling a high urgency 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

We are seeking a Supply Chain Manager to manage and execute core supply chain processes, including procure-to-pay (P2P), sourcing execution, and supplier coordination, in support of rapid product development and production scale.

Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain, this role will focus on executing procurement strategies, managing supplier interactions, and ensuring reliable material flow across engineering and manufacturing. You will help implement structured sourcing processes (RFP/RFQ), maintain supplier performance, and support the development of scalable systems and workflows. This is a hands-on execution role suited for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, brings strong attention to detail, and can consistently deliver against aggressive timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure-to-Pay (P2P) Execution
• Manage the day-to-day P2P process: requisitions, RFQ/RFP support, supplier coordination, PO creation, order tracking, receipt, and invoice reconciliation
• Ensure purchasing transactions are accurate, timely, and aligned with approved pricing and terms
• Partner with Finance to support 3-way match (PO, receipt, invoice) and resolve discrepancies
• Maintain clean and accurate procurement data within ERP/MRP systems
• Sourcing Execution & RFQ/RFP Support
• Support and execute RFP/RFQ processes to identify and onboard qualified suppliers
• Collect, organize, and analyze supplier quotes to support best-value decision making
• Assist in cost analysis, benchmarking, and should-cost inputs as needed
• Coordinate with engineering to ensure sourcing aligns with technical and schedule requirements
• Supplier Coordination & Vendor Management
• Maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness
• Track supplier performance using defined QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) metrics
• Escalate issues as needed and support resolution of delivery or quality challenges
• Support ongoing supplier communications, updates, and performance reviews
• Procurement Execution & Expediting
• Execute purchasing activities, including PO placement, order follow-up, and expediting
• Monitor open orders and proactively address risks related to lead time, shortages, or delays
• Communicate status updates and potential risks to internal stakeholders in a timely manner
• Cross-Functional Support
• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to support build schedules
• Help identify long-lead items and supply constraints based on current demand
• Support implementation of supply chain inputs into product development
• Inventory, Logistics & Systems Support
• Support daily use and continuous improvement of ERP/MRP systems
• Track inventory levels, shortages, and excess to support operational needs
• Coordinate inbound logistics, receiving, and material tracking
• Assist in improving data visibility and reporting across supply chain activities
• Process Execution & Continuous Improvement
• Follow and reinforce established procurement processes, templates, and workflows
• Identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to cycle time and execution
• Support implementation of scalable processes as the company grows
• Compliance & Documentation
• Ensure procurement activities adhere to ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and internal policies
• Maintain accurate documentation for POs, supplier communications, and sourcing activities
• Support audit readiness and traceability requirements
  
  

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing in aerospace, defense, automotive, or hardware environments
• Experience executing procure-to-pay processes and supplier coordination
• Experience with RFP/RFQ processes and supplier selection support
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite, SAP, or similar)
• Working knowledge of ITAR/DFARS/FAR compliance
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities