About this Supply Chain Manager role at Space Kinetic
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
Who We Are:
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.
What You’ll Do:
As a Supply Chain Manager, you will support the procurement, supplier management, material planning, and inventory activities essential to our engineering and manufacturing teams. You will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient flow of materials needed to build next-generation aerospace hardware, working closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup environment.
Job Responsibilities:
- Create and manage purchase orders for engineering, manufacturing, and operational needs.
- Evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times, and delivery terms.
- Track orders and resolve supplier shortages, delays, and quality issues.
- Manage supplier onboarding, relationships, and performance.
- Identify alternate suppliers and track critical hardware and long-lead items.
- Coordinate material planning and availability with engineering and manufacturing.
- Maintain accurate receiving, inventory, material-tracking, and ERP records.
- Improve supply chain processes, supplier performance, and inventory accuracy.
What It Takes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 2–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
- Experience supporting engineering or manufacturing organizations.
- Experience with NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, or a similar ERP system.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
- Strong organization, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across teams.
What We'd Love:
- Aerospace or defense industry experience.
- Experience supporting prototype or low-volume manufacturing.
- Familiarity with machining, fabrication, electronics, or aerospace components.
- Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements.
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship-management skills.
- Experience working in a startup environment.
What We Offer:
- Equity-Based Compensation
- Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
ITAR Requirements:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
