Supply Chain Manager

Firestorm is seeking a driven and proactive 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 processes and systems to scale from prototyping to full-rate production, and develop a mature supplier base capable of supporting production operations for our San Diego facility.

About the Role

You will thrive in a fast-moving environment and feel equally comfortable setting strategy and executing on near-term deliverables. You will work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and business development teams from New Product Introduction (NPI) through production scale-up, driving cost-effective strategic sourcing strategies. A key focus will be building Firestorm’s supply chain footprint and adding capacity and resiliency to our US operations to meet global customer needs.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

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 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.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately in an evolving environment, and organize work 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.
• 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

• Position is onsite at our San Diego, CA headquarters.
• 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. 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.

Pay

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Equity grants for new hires.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July and 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. Option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: Free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and work-life services such as free legal and financial support.