Defense Aerospace Supply Chain Lead

Wardstone; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Wardstone is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to build and lead the supplier network from prototype parts to production. You will qualify suppliers for machined parts, composites, and electronics, negotiate terms, and establish backup sources for critical items.

You will ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and ITAR, while coordinating with engineers to optimize cost and lead times. You will identify long-lead components early, track risks, and support make-vs-buy decisions with solid data.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supply chain, procurement, or sourcing experience in aerospace, defense, or complex hardware.
• Experience sourcing custom and technical parts (machined parts, electronics, composites).
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and ITAR.
• Strong negotiation skills and supplier relationship experience.
• Collaborate closely with engineers on technical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build the supplier base by finding, evaluating, and qualifying suppliers for machined parts, electronics, and composites.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with key suppliers; establish backup suppliers for critical parts.
• Identify long-lead and hard-to-source parts early and secure them ahead of need; track supply risks.
• Develop sourcing plans and cost models to scale from prototype to production; influence design to reduce cost.
• Ensure government contract compliance (FAR/DFARS, ITAR) and set supplier quality requirements with engineering.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationships

Technical understanding

US person ITAR

Education

B.S. in supply chain management / related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Wardstone is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to build and lead the supplier network from prototype parts to production. You will qualify suppliers for machined parts, composites, and electronics, negotiate terms, and establish backup sources for critical items.

You will ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and ITAR, while coordinating with engineers to optimize cost and lead times. You will identify long-lead components early, track risks, and support make-vs-buy decisions with solid data.