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ispace, inc.

Posted 11 days ago

Open

Manager, Supply Chain

EnglewoodOn-site

AI Summary

Builds and leads the U.S. supply chain organization for a lunar exploration company, managing buyers, planners, and logistics staff while setting up procurement, subcontracting, and compliance systems for flight hardware.

About this role

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.

We are looking for a Manager, Supply Chain to build and lead our U.S. supply chain organization. You will manage both the people and the processes: leading a team of buyers, planners, and logistics and receiving staff, while setting up the procurement, subcontracting, and compliance systems a growing space company needs. You will work side by side with engineers to source flight-quality parts and services, keep builds on schedule, and make sure every purchase and shipment meets U.S. government contracting and export control requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

  • Lead, coach, and develop the supply chain team, including hiring, goal setting, performance reviews, and workload planning

  • Set team priorities, metrics, and standards, documentation and build a culture of accountability and clear communication

  • Scale the team and its processes as program volume grows

  • Scale the supplier base to enable global impact

Procurement & Supplier Management

  • Own the procurement strategy for flight hardware, materials, electronics, machined parts, test services, and subcontracts

  • Source, qualify, and manage suppliers, including negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and quality requirements

  • Build and maintain approved supplier lists, supplier scorecards, and periodic supplier assessments

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring quality standards, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery schedules

  • Manage supplier performance issues, corrective actions, and escalations with Quality and Engineering

  • Manage supply risk, including long-lead items, single-source suppliers, obsolescence, and counterfeit part prevention

Government Contracts Compliance (FAR / DFARS)

  • Ensure purchase orders and subcontracts include the correct FAR, DFARS, and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) clauses and customer flow-downs

  • Manage subcontract compliance topics such as DPAS ratings, specialty metals, counterfeit parts, small business subcontracting, and supplier cybersecurity requirements

  • Support customer and government audits, purchasing system reviews, and proposal and cost or pricing support

Export Control & Trade Compliance (ITAR / EAR)

  • Ensure procurement and logistics activities comply with ITAR and EAR, including supplier screening, license and agreement requirements, and U.S. person restrictions

  • Work with the Empowered Official and legal counsel on export classifications, technical assistance agreements, licenses, and technical data transfers

  • Manage international shipments, customs, import and export documentation, and freight forwarders, including hardware and data flowing to and from our Japan office

  • Maintain export compliance training, recordkeeping, and internal controls within the supply chain function

  • Partner with legal team to ensure supply chain complies with regulatory requirements including ITAR and export control laws

Engineering Partnership & Program Support

  • Work directly with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to understand requirements, review BOMs, and source parts that meet technical and schedule needs

  • Provide program management with early input on lead times, cost, supplier capability, and alternates during design

  • Partner with Production and AI&T to align material availability with build and test schedules

  • Coordinate with Quality on receiving inspection, nonconforming material, and supplier corrective actions

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

  • 10+ years of supply chain, procurement, or subcontracts experience, ideally in aerospace, space, or defense, including at least 4 years leading people

  • Hands-on experience with FAR and DFARS requirements in procurement and subcontracting

  • Hands-on experience with ITAR and export control compliance in a supply chain setting

  • Proven experience managing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and resolving supply issues on complex hardware

  • Experience building or improving procurement processes, policies, and systems

  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain metrics

  • Ability to read and discuss engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications well enough to work effectively with engineers

  • Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills

  • Results-driven mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement

  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, startup environment paired with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What Makes You Stand Out!

  • Experience with spaceflight hardware programs, NASA contracts, or NASA FAR Supplement requirements

  • Experience with international supply chains and working with overseas partners or affiliates

  • Familiarity with AS9100, counterfeit parts prevention (AS5553 / AS6174), and flight-quality supplier requirements

  • Experience with NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC requirements for suppliers

  • Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CFCM

  • Experience with EEE parts, raw materials, or long-lead flight hardware procurement

  • Experience in a startup or fast-growing company environment

Skills

AS5553AS6174AS9100BOMCFCMCMMCCPMCPSMCSCPDFARSEARERP/MRP SystemsExport ComplianceFARGovernment ContractingITARNASA FAR SupplementNIST SP 800-171Subcontract ManagementSupplier Qualification

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