ispace

Lunar payload transport and data services

Manager, Supply Chain

Procurement & Sourcing +1Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeEnglewood, CO, USA$133k - $200k /yr

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
At least 10 years of supply chain, procurement, or subcontracts experience, ideally in aerospace, space, or defense, including at least 4 years leading people.
Hands-on experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements in procurement and subcontracting.
Hands-on experience with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and export control compliance in a supply chain setting.
Proven experience managing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and resolving supply issues on complex hardware.
Experience building or improving procurement processes, policies, and systems.
Experience with enterprise resource planning/material requirements planning (ERP/MRP) systems and supply chain metrics.
Ability to read and discuss engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications well enough to work effectively with engineers.
Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
A results-driven mindset focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic startup environment, paired with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop the supply chain team, including hiring, goal setting, performance reviews, and workload planning.
Set team priorities, metrics, standards, and documentation, and build a culture of accountability and clear communication.
Scale the team and its processes as program volume grows.
Scale the supplier base to enable global impact.
Own the procurement strategy for flight hardware, materials, electronics, machined parts, test services, and subcontracts.
Source, qualify, and manage suppliers, including negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and quality requirements.
Build and maintain approved supplier lists, supplier scorecards, and periodic supplier assessments.
Build and maintain strong supplier and vendor relationships to support quality standards, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery schedules.
Manage supplier performance issues, corrective actions, and escalations with Quality and Engineering.
Manage supply risks, including long-lead items, single-source suppliers, obsolescence, and counterfeit-part prevention.
Ensure purchase orders and subcontracts include the correct FAR, DFARS, and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) clauses and customer flow-downs.
Manage subcontract compliance topics, including DPAS ratings, specialty metals, counterfeit parts, small-business subcontracting, and supplier cybersecurity requirements.
Support customer and government audits, purchasing system reviews, and proposal and cost or pricing support.
Ensure procurement and logistics activities comply with ITAR and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including supplier screening, license and agreement requirements, and U.S. person restrictions.
Work with the Empowered Official and legal counsel on export classifications, technical assistance agreements, licenses, and technical data transfers.
Manage international shipments, customs, import and export documentation, and freight forwarders, including hardware and data flowing to and from the Japan office.
Maintain export compliance training, recordkeeping, and internal controls within the supply chain function.
Partner with the legal team to ensure supply chain compliance with regulatory requirements, including ITAR and export control laws.
Work directly with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to understand requirements, review bills of materials (BOMs), and source parts that meet technical and schedule needs.
Provide program management with early input on lead times, cost, supplier capability, and alternatives during design.
Partner with Production and Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) to align material availability with build and test schedules.
Coordinate with Quality on receiving inspection, nonconforming material, and supplier corrective actions.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with spaceflight hardware programs, NASA contracts, or NASA FAR Supplement requirements.
Experience with international supply chains and working with overseas partners or affiliates.
Familiarity with AS9100, counterfeit-parts prevention standards AS5553 and AS6174, and flight-quality supplier requirements.
Experience with NIST SP 800-171 or Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements for suppliers.
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM).
Experience with electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts, raw materials, or long-lead flight hardware procurement.
Experience in a startup or fast-growing company environment.

Salary Range: 133000 to 200000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.

We are looking for a Manager, Supply Chain to build and lead our U.S. supply chain organization. You will manage both the people and the processes: leading a team of buyers, planners, and logistics and receiving staff, while setting up the procurement, subcontracting, and compliance systems a growing space company needs. You will work side by side with engineers to source flight-quality parts and services, keep builds on schedule, and make sure every purchase and shipment meets U.S. government contracting and export control requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

Lead, coach, and develop the supply chain team, including hiring, goal setting, performance reviews, and workload planning

Set team priorities, metrics, and standards, documentation and build a culture of accountability and clear communication

Scale the team and its processes as program volume grows

Scale the supplier base to enable global impact

Procurement & Supplier Management

Own the procurement strategy for flight hardware, materials, electronics, machined parts, test services, and subcontracts

Source, qualify, and manage suppliers, including negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and quality requirements

Build and maintain approved supplier lists, supplier scorecards, and periodic supplier assessments

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring quality standards, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery schedules

Manage supplier performance issues, corrective actions, and escalations with Quality and Engineering

Manage supply risk, including long-lead items, single-source suppliers, obsolescence, and counterfeit part prevention

Government Contracts Compliance (FAR / DFARS)

Ensure purchase orders and subcontracts include the correct FAR, DFARS, and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) clauses and customer flow-downs

Manage subcontract compliance topics such as DPAS ratings, specialty metals, counterfeit parts, small business subcontracting, and supplier cybersecurity requirements

Support customer and government audits, purchasing system reviews, and proposal and cost or pricing support

Export Control & Trade Compliance (ITAR / EAR)

Ensure procurement and logistics activities comply with ITAR and EAR, including supplier screening, license and agreement requirements, and U.S. person restrictions

Work with the Empowered Official and legal counsel on export classifications, technical assistance agreements, licenses, and technical data transfers

Manage international shipments, customs, import and export documentation, and freight forwarders, including hardware and data flowing to and from our Japan office

Maintain export compliance training, recordkeeping, and internal controls within the supply chain function

Partner with legal team to ensure supply chain complies with regulatory requirements including ITAR and export control laws

Engineering Partnership & Program Support

Work directly with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to understand requirements, review BOMs, and source parts that meet technical and schedule needs

Provide program management with early input on lead times, cost, supplier capability, and alternates during design

Partner with Production and AI&T to align material availability with build and test schedules

Coordinate with Quality on receiving inspection, nonconforming material, and supplier corrective actions

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

10+ years of supply chain, procurement, or subcontracts experience, ideally in aerospace, space, or defense, including at least 4 years leading people

Hands-on experience with FAR and DFARS requirements in procurement and subcontracting

Hands-on experience with ITAR and export control compliance in a supply chain setting

Proven experience managing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and resolving supply issues on complex hardware

Experience building or improving procurement processes, policies, and systems

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain metrics

Ability to read and discuss engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications well enough to work effectively with engineers

Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills

Results-driven mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement

Ability to thrive in a dynamic, startup environment paired with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What Makes You Stand Out!

Experience with spaceflight hardware programs, NASA contracts, or NASA FAR Supplement requirements

Experience with international supply chains and working with overseas partners or affiliates

Familiarity with AS9100, counterfeit parts prevention (AS5553 / AS6174), and flight-quality supplier requirements

Experience with NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC requirements for suppliers

Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CFCM

Experience with EEE parts, raw materials, or long-lead flight hardware procurement

Experience in a startup or fast-growing company environment

#LI-LH1

At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.  

ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.

About the Company

ispace

Lunar payload transport and data services

ispace develops lunar exploration and resource development, offering two main services: Payload Services, which transports customer payloads to lunar orbit or the surface using its robotic landers and rovers, and Data Services, which collects and provides lunar data for mission planning and surface development. It differentiates itself by owning its own lunar hardware, using agile development with commercially off-the-shelf components to cut costs, and pursuing a cadence of Hakuto-R missions to establish a regular cislunar transport system, while partnering with NASA under CLPS and with ESA. Its goal is to enable a growing lunar economy by delivering reliable, affordable access to the Moon for scientists, governments, and industry and by advancing the utilization of lunar resources such as water ice.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 2010

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