Job Description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:  

Space Kinetic is a cleared , venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.  

What You’ll Do:

The Supply Chain Manager will oversee end-to-end supply chain operations for aerospace and defense programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FAR, DFARS, ITAR), and customer contractual obligations. This role will lead procurement, material planning, inventory control, supplier management, and logistics activities to support program performance, cost targets, and on-time delivery. 

Supply Chain Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with company objectives and program requirements. 


• Lead cross-functional supply chain planning to support production schedules and new product introductions. 


• Identify and mitigate supply risks, ensuring compliance with US export regulations. 

Supplier Management

• Develop, evaluate, and maintain a qualified supply base compliant with aerospace and defense standards. 


• Negotiate supplier contracts, long-term agreements, and pricing structures to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives. 


• Perform supplier performance monitoring and lead corrective action plans for underperforming vendors. 

Procurement & Contract Compliance

• Oversee procurement activities ensuring adherence to company policies and applicable government regulations (e.g., FAR/DFARS, ITAR, TAA). 


• Manage procurement of direct and indirect materials, ensuring traceability and proper documentation for audits and customer reviews. 

Inventory & Material Control

• Develop inventory management strategies, safety stock levels, and cycle counting to optimize inventory turns and minimize excess. 


• Ensure accurate material planning to support production demands while minimizing shortages and excess inventory. 

Logistics & Distribution

• Coordinate logistics to ensure timely delivery of materials and finished goods in compliance with all export/import regulations. 


• Develop business continuity and contingency plans to address supply chain disruptions. 

What It Takes:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field, (Master’s degree preferred).


• 5+ years of experience of supply chain experience


• First-hand knowledge of supplier quality systems


• Experience supporting/leading proposal efforts


• Great project management and problem-solving skills


• Experience using an ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, etc.)


• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal and influencing skills


• Proven knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, TAA compliance, and government procurement practices. 


• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to back up conclusions with data


• Time management skills, with the ability to separate the important tasks from the noise


• Sense of urgency, with ability to work well under pressure


• Strong Excel skills, with the ability to present concise data to internal and external stakeholders


• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).


• Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

What We’d Love:

• Experience working within the Space industry


• Experience wearing multiple hats at a rapidly growing startup company\


• Experience with technical procurement, manufacturing, or designing production components


• Experience scaling new products into rate production, optimizing for quality, delivery, and cost


• Ability to prove a strong track record of leadership and team building


• Remarkable problem solving skills with a bias for speed and positive impact


• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs


• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills


• Excellent customer service skills, produce exceptional work at all times, highly self-motivated


• Effective written, verbal and presentation communication skills


• Detail-oriented, and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment


• Holds self to highest ethical standards, and conducts all activities with the highest of integrity 

*Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. If you’re driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn’t fully align with every qualification, we want your application.

Where You’ll Be:  

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  The position is hybrid/onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.  

What We Offer:  

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  Equity-Based Compensation



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  Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar



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  Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage



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  Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure



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  Health and Wellness Stipend



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  Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements:   
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR  here  

Equal Employment Opportunity:  
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.  

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.  

Pay Range

$125,000 - $190,000 USD

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