Supply Chain Manager

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Holiday calendar

Parental leave

Lifestyle Spending Account

HSA

Mental health resources

Job summary

Firestorm in San Diego, CA seeks a driven Supply Chain Manager to build and lead end-to-end supply chain operations across our product lines. This foundational role will define the supply chain roadmap for key commodities, establish scalable processes and systems, and develop a mature supplier base to support our production facility.

You will thrive in a fast-moving environment, setting strategy and delivering near-term milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or related field.
• U.S. Citizenship due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain DoD clearance.
• Minimum 5 years of supply chain or sourcing experience in manufacturing/tech.
• Experience leading teams.
• Experience with NPI and PLCM processes.
• Hands-on sourcing across all commodities.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience with supplier negotiations and cost reductions.
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR and U.S. Government regulations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and manage timelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop supply chain strategy across all commodities to support prototyping through full-rate production.
• Onboard suppliers to build a mature, resilient supplier base.
• Manage procurement lifecycle and scalable systems for U.S. operations.
• Analyze supplier data and market trends to expand the Approved Supplier List.
• Maintain supplier performance metrics and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and product teams on roadmaps and NPI.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

NPI

PLCM

Sourcing

Data analysis

Communication

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering

Tools

Excel

Job description

Here at Firestorm we are looking for a driven and proactive Supply Chain Manager to build and lead end‑to‑end supply chain operations across our product lines. This is a foundational role that will define the supply chain roadmap for key commodities, establish the processes and systems needed to scale from prototyping to full‑rate production, and develop a mature supplier base capable of supporting production operations for our San Diego production facility. You will thrive in a fast‑moving environment and feel equally comfortable setting strategy and executing on near‑term deliverables.

What You Will Do

Supply Chain & Commodity Strategy

• Execute comprehensive supply chain strategies across all commodities to support Firestorm’s product portfolio from prototyping through full‑rate production
• Manage the process of identifying, qualifying, and onboarding suppliers across a broad range of commodities to build a mature, resilient supply base
• Manage the full procurement lifecycle - identify opportunities to implement solutions for a compliant, scalable system that supports US operations
• Analyze supplier data and market trends to continuously expand and optimize the Approved Supplier List
• Maintain supplier performance metrics across quality, cost, and delivery; proactively mitigate supply chain risks and expand supply chain capabilities
• Leverage market research, trends, emerging technologies, and benchmarks to maintain a best‑in‑class supply base

Operations, Planning & Logistics

• Oversee inventory planning, forecasting, and materials management to ensure on‑time delivery and production continuity
• Ensure near‑term procurement and logistics actions to guarantee schedules for engineering and testing milestones
• Develop performance metrics and reporting to identify, communicate, and manage critical path items
• Drive efficiency, cost optimization, and quality improvements across all supply chain functions

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all procurement and supply chain activities comply with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and internal policies
• Coordinate closely with quality teams to ensure compliance with the Firestorm quality program regarding supplier onboarding, documentation requirements, nonconformance resolution, and supply chain procedures
• Manage internal and external audits, including DCAA/DCMA reviews and supplier quality audits
• Manage supply chain risk exposure- identify and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, including single‑source dependencies and geopolitical risks

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Engage with responsible engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure supplier feedback on design for manufacturing (DFM) considerations
• Partner with engineering, operations, and product teams to align supply chain strategy with product roadmaps and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes
• Collaborate with business development and strategy teams to anticipate demand signals and plan for future revenue growth
• Negotiate supplier agreements and commercial terms in coordination with legal and finance
• Drive continuous improvement in supply chain processes and implement procedural enhancements
• Serve as the primary point of contact for supply chain communications across internal strategic stakeholders and external supply chain partners

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or a related field
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Minimum 5 years of supply chain or sourcing experience, in a manufacturing or technological environment
• Experience leading or managing teams
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and Product Lifecycle Change Management (PLCM) processes
• Hands‑on experience sourcing and procuring across all commodities
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes
• Experience with supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and supplier performance management
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government acquisition regulations
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment, and organize work assignments to meet established timetables
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of sourcing or supply chain management experience in aerospace or defense industries
• Experience in startups or fast‑growing environments
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with DCAA, DCMA, or other U.S. Government oversight agencies
• Manufacturing or quality management experience is desirable
• Exposure to additive manufacturing, automation, or advanced hardware environments
• Understanding of supply chain risk management and supplier contingency planning
• Knowledge of forecasting tools, procurement analytics, and market benchmarking
• Experience leading efforts in R&D procurement and prototype builds

Work Environment

• The position is working onsite at our San Diego, CA. Headquarters
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Travel up to 40% if needed

At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost‑efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC‑backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission‑adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world‑class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting‑edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

Compensation

• Base salary: $135,000 - $155,000 base, commensurate with experience
• Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth‑stage defense technology company

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long‑term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July, & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work‑life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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 otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [e-mail] so we can provide the support you need.