Global Supply Manager - Propulsion
About the role
Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. The company operates with startup agility and ambition, with a workforce of approximately 220 employees dedicated to enhancing the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies through cutting-edge manufacturing and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end supply chain strategy and execution for propulsion systems supporting Mach platforms, including solid rocket motor systems, propellant manufacturing, propulsion structures, thermal protection hardware, ignition systems, and associated qualification and test hardware.
Develop and implement a comprehensive Propulsion Supply Chain Strategy, managing a specialized vendor base to optimize value, technical capability, production readiness, and long-term partnerships.
Identify and onboard new suppliers to address capability or capacity gaps, and establish preferred suppliers for assigned energetics categories.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Test, and Procurement to ensure timely sourcing, qualification, integration, and delivery of energetics systems aligned with program milestones and flight or ground test campaigns.
Become technically fluent in the propulsion manufacturing processes, including propulsion system manufacturing, high-temperature materials and processes, propellant-related manufacturing, and qualification testing activities to support design-for-supply-chain and industrialization initiatives.
Own initial demand planning and forecasting for propulsion systems and associated hardware across development, qualification, low-rate initial production (LRIP), and ramping production phases.
Conduct comprehensive supply chain assessments to support material readiness through all production phases, including development, qualification, ramp-up, and sustainment.
Develop sourcing strategies to mitigate risk, reduce cost, and improve resilience for long-lead, specialized, and single-source energetics systems, propulsion hardware, and critical materials.
Drive supplier accountability for performance, including quality, cost, technical execution, and on-time delivery; manage open orders, resolve supply issues, and triage supplier non-conformances (NCRs).
Conduct regular onsite supplier engagements to assess manufacturing readiness, resolve technical and operational constraints, and support industrialization efforts across energetics programs.
Negotiate contracts in collaboration with legal and compliance teams, ensuring alignment with ITAR, EAR, NDAA, hazardous material transport requirements, and other regulatory frameworks.
Monitor and report on supply chain health using KPIs, and implement supplier performance improvement programs.
Drive and assist in the development of advanced supply chain, industrialization, and supplier management processes that elevate the overall organization.
Support broader supply chain activities beyond mechanical systems, including sourcing, procurement, and material planning for adjacent hardware categories as needed to meet overall program objectives.
Provide regular briefings to leadership on propulsion supply chain performance, risks, industrialization status, and mitigation strategies.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Business, or equivalent. (10+ years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.)
5+ years of supply chain experience, with a focus on mechanical, aerospace hardware, advanced manufacturing, or other technically complex hardware categories.
Previous experience with propulsion systems a plus.
Proven experience in supplier management, sourcing strategy, and contract negotiation.
Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and demand planning processes.
Familiarity with defense industry compliance requirements, including ITAR, EAR, and NDAA a plus.
Ability to interpret complex BOMs and collaborate with engineering on design-for-procurement initiatives.
Experience operating in development, qualification, or production environments with rapidly evolving technical requirements.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Active Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
Experience in supply chain management for unmanned systems, robotics, or aerospace applications.
Deep expertise in energetics (munitions/missile/ordnance/payload).
Hands-on experience with supplier qualification and performance management in a defense or high-reliability environment.
Advanced knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as ITAR, EAR, and NDAA, with a track record of ensuring compliance.
Proficiency in advanced supply chain analytics and optimization tools.
Experience supporting rapid production ramps and scalable manufacturing operations.