Inventory Control Manager

About Observable Space

At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.

About the Role

The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, security, inspection, and efficient movement of company-owned inventory across manufacturing operations. This leader establishes disciplined inventory practices, ensures all incoming parts and materials receive documented inspection before release, maintains timely and accurate ERP transactions, supports reliable material availability for production, and provides clear accountability for all inventory locations. The position leads the inventory and incoming-inspection teams, partners closely with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Planning, Quality, Finance, and Engineering, and drives corrective action when inspection results, inventory records, or material flow do not meet expectations.

Responsibilities

Inventory Accuracy and Control

• Own inventory accuracy for raw materials, purchased components, work-in-process, finished goods, consumables, and company-controlled customer material.

• Establish and maintain cycle-count schedules using ABC classification, risk, value, usage, and prior discrepancy history.

• Research inventory discrepancies to root cause, complete approved adjustments promptly, and implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence.

• Maintain accurate item quantities, storage locations, lot or serial information, inventory status, and material traceability within the ERP system.

• Ensure all receiving, stocking, transfers, picks, issues, returns, completions, scrap, and adjustments are recorded at the time the physical transaction occurs.

• Coordinate physical inventories and financial audits; provide complete supporting documentation and timely reconciliation.

Material Flow and Production Support

• Ensure production work orders are kitted accurately and on time, with shortages identified and escalated before they disrupt scheduled work.

• Develop clear processes for point-of-use inventory, staging areas, overflow locations, nonconforming material, customer property, and obsolete or excess stock.

• Maintain organized, labeled, secure, and audit-ready inventory areas using sound 5S and visual-management practices.

• Partner with Planning and Purchasing to improve material availability, identify shortages, and reduce avoidable expedites, excess inventory, and stockouts.

• Coordinate movement of material between buildings, departments, and outside processors while maintaining ownership and traceability.

Incoming Inspection and Material Acceptance

• Ensure every incoming part and material is inspected and documented before it is released to available inventory, issued to a work order, or moved to production.

• Verify part number, revision, description, quantity, packaging, and visible condition against the purchase order, packing slip, drawing, and applicable inspection requirements.

• Confirm required certificates of conformance, material certifications, test reports, special-process certifications, and other supplier documentation are present, accurate, and traceable to the received material.

• Ensure critical dimensions, features, finishes, and other acceptance characteristics are checked using the applicable drawing, specification, inspection plan, and calibrated measuring equipment.

• Maintain required lot, batch, heat, and serial-number traceability and record inspection results in the approved system or inspection record.

• Segregate and control damaged, incorrect, undocumented, or nonconforming material; coordinate review, supplier corrective action, and disposition with Quality and Purchasing.

Systems, Procedures, and Reporting

• Serve as the business owner for inventory-control procedures and ERP transaction discipline within the department.

• Create and maintain standard work, work instructions, training materials, and controlled forms for all inventory activities.

• Monitor inventory dashboards and report performance, discrepancies, aging, shortages, and corrective actions to manufacturing leadership.

• Identify system, process, and master-data weaknesses; lead practical improvements with Finance, IT, Quality, and Operations.

• Protect inventory data integrity by limiting uncontrolled locations, generic bins, delayed transactions, and unsupported manual workarounds.

Leadership and Accountability

• Lead, train, schedule, and develop inventory-control personnel; set clear daily priorities and verify completion.

• Establish performance expectations and address attendance, accuracy, productivity, teamwork, and conduct issues promptly and consistently.

• Build cross-training and qualified backups for critical inventory functions to reduce single-person dependencies.

• Promote a professional, service-oriented culture that supports production while maintaining required controls.

• Communicate risks early, present facts clearly, and recommend solutions rather than allowing unresolved issues to continue.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in inventory control, materials management, warehousing, or manufacturing operations, including supervisory or leadership responsibility.

• Demonstrated experience using an ERP or MRP system to manage inventory transactions, locations, work orders, bills of material, and material traceability.

• Working knowledge of cycle counting, physical inventory, root-cause analysis, corrective action, material handling, and internal controls.

• Working knowledge of receiving inspection, engineering drawings, inspection records, material certifications, nonconforming-material control, and common precision measuring equipment.

• Strong analytical ability with proficiency in Microsoft Excel or comparable reporting tools.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across Manufacturing, Planning, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, and Finance.

• Proven judgment, follow-through, attention to detail, and willingness to enforce standard processes consistently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

• Experience in aerospace, defense, precision manufacturing, optics, machining, or another high-mix manufacturing environment.

• Experience with serialized or lot-controlled material, customer-owned property, quality holds, and audit requirements.

• APICS/ASCM, CPIM, CSCP, Lean, Six Sigma, or related professional certification.

Leadership Competencies

• Ownership and accountability — accepts responsibility for results and closes gaps.

• Process discipline — insists that standard work and system transactions match the physical process.

• Problem solving — uses facts, data, and root-cause thinking to correct issues permanently.

• Team leadership — sets expectations, trains people, follows up, and addresses problems directly.

• Cross-functional partnership — supports production needs without compromising inventory controls.

• Continuous improvement — simplifies flow, removes waste, and strengthens visibility and reliability.

Physical and Work Requirements

The position routinely works in office, warehouse, and manufacturing environments. The employee must be able to move throughout production and storage areas, use a computer and standard office equipment, inspect stored material, and communicate with employees across shifts. The role may require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or moving materials within company-established safe-lifting limits. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.

Additional Expectations

This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities of the position and is not intended to list every duty. Responsibilities may change based on business needs. The employee is expected to follow all company safety, quality, security, export-control, confidentiality, and conduct requirements applicable to the assigned work.

What We Offer

Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.

Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)

Unlimited PTO (exempt only) – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.

Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.

Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.

Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.

Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.

Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.