Senior Supply Chain Manager

Foundational role building and leading end-to-end supply chain operations for Firestorm’s product lines. Define the supply chain roadmap, establish scalable processes, and develop a mature supplier base to support production at our San Diego facility. Work cross-functionally from New Product Introduction (NPI) through full-rate production, driving cost-effective sourcing strategies and expanding capacity and resiliency in US operations.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute comprehensive supply chain strategies across all commodities to support Firestorm’s product portfolio from prototyping through full-rate production.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers across a broad range of commodities to build a mature, resilient supply base.
• Manage and scale the full procurement lifecycle; implement compliant, scalable systems for US operations.
• Analyze supplier data and market trends to continuously expand and optimize the Approved Supplier List.
• Establish supplier performance metrics across quality, cost, and delivery; proactively mitigate supply chain risks and expand capabilities.
• Leverage market research, trends, emerging technologies, and benchmarks to maintain a best-in-class supply base.
• Oversee inventory planning, demand 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 a logistics strategy to support a robust logistics supply base including domestic carriers, freight forwarders, and solutions for specialty materials.
• Create foundational processes and supporting systems across supply chain planning, procurement, supplier onboarding, accounts payable, materials management, and shipping and receiving.
• 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.
• 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.
• Lead and manage internal and external audits, including DCAA/DCMA reviews and supplier quality audits.
• Develop systems to identify and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, including single-source dependencies and geopolitical risks.
• Engage with 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.
• Initiate and 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or a related field.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
• Minimum 10 years of supply chain or sourcing management experience in a manufacturing or technological environment.
• Experience managing teams across multiple supply chain verticals.
• 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.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately in an evolving environment, and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ 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.
• 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

This is an onsite position 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% may be required.

About Us

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.

Pay

Base salary: $160,000 - $180,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November & December.
• Generous Parental Leave.
• FSA, DCFSA, and HSA options.
• Hospital Indemnity insurance.
• Critical Illness insurance.
• Accident insurance.
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: Free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support.