Supply Chain Manager

We are looking for 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 the processes and systems needed 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 the needs of our customers worldwide.

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 assignments 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 is desirable.
• 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.

Pay

Base salary: $135,000 - $155,000, 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.
• Equity grants for new hires.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Extremely 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 more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support.