Technical Project Manager – Space Systems & Supply Chain

A fast-growing space technology company is seeking a Technical Project Manager to lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, and supply chain execution for a cutting-edge spacecraft development program.

This is a highly cross-functional role at the intersection of engineering, procurement, and program execution. You'll be responsible for managing critical supplier relationships, driving procurement strategy, mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring hardware, materials, and services are delivered on schedule to support development and flight milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with key spacecraft and hardware suppliers, including contract execution, milestone tracking, deliverable acceptance, and issue resolution
• Partner with engineering teams to translate technical requirements into procurement specifications, RFQs, and Statements of Work
• Lead negotiations covering pricing, schedules, contractual terms, and supplier performance
• Develop and maintain a robust supplier network supporting spacecraft and payload development activities
• Establish and manage approved vendor lists and supplier qualification processes
• Monitor supplier performance through scorecards, audits, and corrective action initiatives
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including long-lead components, sole-source suppliers, and regulatory constraints
• Support inventory planning and material readiness to align with program schedules
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable export control and regulatory requirements
• Help build and scale procurement processes, systems, and best practices as the organization grows

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in project management, procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships and high-value contracts
• Strong commercial acumen with proven contract negotiation experience
• Familiarity with export control regulations and regulated supply chain environments
• Experience using ERP, procurement, or supply chain management systems
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, finance, and program teams
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace, space, defense, or other highly regulated hardware industries
• Startup or high-growth technology environments
• Procurement of electronics, power systems, RF hardware, or advanced engineering components
• Building procurement functions, supplier networks, or sourcing processes from the ground up
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, or equivalent
• Experience with cost modeling, supplier strategy, and total cost of ownership analysis