Global Supply Manager - Propulsion

About this role

ABOUT MACH INDUSTRIES

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

THE ROLE

Mach Industries is seeking a strategic and technically adept Global Supply Manager to lead the sourcing, planning, and execution of all supply chain activities related to propulsion systems supporting our platforms. This role is responsible for developing and implementing category and supplier strategies, managing supplier performance, and ensuring the timely delivery of critical hardware and materials—including solid rocket motor systems, propulsion structures, energetics and ignition hardware, mechanical assemblies, and specialized long-lead materials—across all phases of development, qualification, test, and production. The ideal candidate will bring strong mechanical and advanced manufacturing supply chain experience, along with familiarity supporting propulsion and energetics hardware development. They should possess exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills and a proven ability to operate effectively within complex propulsion and energetics manufacturing environments while optimizing cost, quality, and lead time in a fast-paced defense environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead the end-to-end supply chain strategy and execution for propulsion systems supporting Mach platforms, including solid rocket motor systems, propellant manufacturing, propulsion structures, thermal protection hardware, ignition systems, and associated qualification and test hardware.

- Develop and implement a comprehensive Propulsion Supply Chain Strategy, managing a specialized vendor base to optimize value, technical capability, production readiness, and long-term partnerships.

- Identify and onboard new suppliers to address capability or capacity gaps, and establish preferred suppliers for assigned energetics categories.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Test, and Procurement to ensure timely sourcing, qualification, integration, and delivery of energetics systems aligned with program milestones and flight or ground test campaigns.

- Become technically fluent in the propulsion manufacturing processes, including propulsion system manufacturing, high-temperature materials and processes, propellant-related manufacturing, and qualification testing activities to support design-for-supply-chain and industrialization initiatives.

- Own initial demand planning and forecasting for propulsion systems and associated hardware across development, qualification, low-rate initial production (LRIP), and ramping production phases.

- Conduct comprehensive supply chain assessments to support material readiness through all production phases, including development, qualification, ramp-up, and sustainment.

- Develop sourcing strategies to mitigate risk, reduce cost, and improve resilience for long-lead, specialized, and single-source energetics systems, propulsion hardware, and critical materials.

- Drive supplier accountability for performance, including quality, cost, technical execution, and on-time delivery; manage open orders, resolve supply issues, and triage supplier non-conformances (NCRs).

- Conduct regular onsite supplier engagements to assess manufacturing readiness, resolve technical and operational constraints, and support industrialization efforts across energetics programs.

- Support supplier manufacturing readiness reviews, qualification planning, process capability assessments, and production ramp strategies for energetics systems and propulsion hardware.

- Negotiate contracts in collaboration with legal and compliance teams, ensuring alignment with ITAR, EAR, NDAA, hazardous material transport requirements, and other regulatory frameworks.

- Monitor and report on supply chain health using KPIs, and implement supplier performance improvement programs.

- Drive and assist in the development of advanced supply chain, industrialization, and supplier management processes that elevate the overall organization.

- Support broader supply chain activities beyond mechanical systems, including sourcing, procurement, and material planning for adjacent hardware categories as needed to meet overall program objectives.

- Provide regular briefings to leadership on propulsion supply chain performance, risks, industrialization status, and mitigation strategies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Business, or equivalent. (10+ years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.)

- 5+ years of supply chain experience, with a focus on mechanical, aerospace hardware, advanced manufacturing, or other technically complex hardware categories. Previous experience with propulsion systems a plus.

- Proven experience in supplier management, sourcing strategy, and contract negotiation

- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and demand planning processes

- Familiarity with defense industry compliance requirements, including ITAR, EAR, and NDAA a plus

- Ability to interpret complex BOMs and collaborate with engineering on design-for-procurement initiatives

- Experience operating in development, qualification, or production environments with rapidly evolving technical requirements.

- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and

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