Aerospace Supply Chain Leader | Strategy & Ops

Stratolaunch; California; Hybrid; USD 197,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

401(k) match up to 50% up to $11,500

Job summary

Stratolaunch is seeking a Director of Supply Chain to lead multiple government program supply chains, overseeing procurement, supplier management, shipping, and inventory control. The role requires building a matrixed team across states, steering strategic initiatives, and ensuring ITAR/EAR compliance while driving cost efficiency.

The position reports to executive leadership and requires a track record of delivering results in aerospace or defense, with strong negotiation and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive supply chain leadership experience.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace supply chain requirements, regulations, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with company goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing supply chain team.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage supplier risk.
• Oversee sourcing strategies for direct and indirect materials.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and ITAR/EAR regulations.
• Drive cost reduction while preserving quality and delivery.
• Support demand planning and production scheduling.
• Implement best practices for inventory control and material flow.
• Minimize excess inventory and obsolescence.
• Manage inbound/outbound logistics, including transportation and warehousing.
• Optimize distribution networks for timely delivery.
• Oversee import/export documentation and compliance.
• Drive Lean/Six Sigma process improvements using data analytics.

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Aerospace

ERP/MRP

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Logistics

Export controls

Lean Six Sigma

ITAR compliance

Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

ERP/SC analytics tools

Job description

Mojave, California, United States | Manufacturing

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

The Director, Supply Chain will lead and oversee all aspects of the supply chain for multiple government programs, ensuring programs have the materials and hardware they need to successfully execute. Four key functions report to this leader: Procurement, Supplier Management, Shipping & Receiving, and Property Control / Inventory. This strategic role is responsible for developing and executing supply chain strategies that support business objectives, drive operational excellence, and ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards and regulations. This role requires the organization of a matrixed department that must support multiple business units across multiple states. A strong candidate will be able to guide project teams and suppliers to “Yes” when it appears there is no foreseeable path forward.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with company goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing supply chain team.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage supplier risk.
• Oversee sourcing strategies for direct and indirect materials.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards, export controls, and company policies.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and delivery standards.
• Support demand planning and production scheduling.
• Implement best practices for inventory control and material flow.
• Minimize excess inventory and obsolescence.
• Manage inbound and outbound logistics, including transportation and warehousing.
• Optimize distribution networks to ensure timely delivery of materials and products.
• Oversee import/export compliance and documentation.
• Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor KPIs and drive decision-making.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR, AS9100).
• Develop and maintain business continuity and risk mitigation plans.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace supply chain requirements, regulations, and quality standards.
• Proven experience with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain analytics tools.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, MBA, or other relevant course of study.
• Experience in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Governance and compliance background, including experience with internal/external audits.
• Experience working with Deltek Costpoint.
• Certifications such as APICS, CSCP, CPSM, Six Sigma, or other industry certifications.
• Active security clearance.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels.
• Results-oriented with a focus on quality and compliance.
• Change management and team development.

SPECIAL REMARKS REGARDING WORK ENVIRONMENT, IF APPLICABLE

• This position is located in Mojave, CA.
• $197,000–$222,000 salary range with a 20% target bonus.

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s) :

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law: