Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager

The role

You will lead end-to-end procurement, supplier industrialization, and material planning for electric propulsor product lines. This role balances tactical purchasing with strategic supply architecture to link engineering design with external manufacturing partners.

What you will do

• Formulate and execute commodity sourcing strategies for propulsor platforms.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQs/RFPs, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Develop should-cost models for tooling, NRE, and materials.
• Maintain Clear-to-Build tracking across prototype and flight-demonstration schedules.
• Execute tactical procurement including purchase orders, tracking, and expediting.
• Collaborate with Program Management to implement SIOP/S&OP processes.
• Identify component lead-time risks and execute shortage recovery plans.
• Maintain master data integrity within ERP/MRP systems.
• Partner with Quality and Design Engineering for supplier manufacturing readiness.
• Establish and maintain the Approved External Providers List in compliance with AS9100D.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, operations management, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of progressive professional experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management within aerospace, defense, aviation propulsion, electric vehicle powertrains, or high-rel
• Experience managing end-to-end sourcing for complex hardware programs through a complete product lifecycle.
• Track record of negotiating commercial supplier agreements including MSAs, tooling contracts, and LTAs.
• Proficiency with modern ERP/MRP enterprise software and managing complex, multi-level Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Operational knowledge of INCOTERMS 2020, domestic freight management, and aerospace logistics execution.
• Ability to balance tactical purchasing with strategic sourcing in an agile hardware development environment.
• U.S. Person status (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) is strictly required.

Nice to have

• Direct sourcing experience with electric propulsion commodities.
• Working knowledge of aerospace quality management systems (AS9100D), SAE AS9102, and supplier auditing.
• Familiarity with civil and defense aerospace certification pathways or military standard hardware specifications.
• Professional supply chain or operations certification (e.g., ASCM/APICS CPIM or CSCP, ISM CPSM) or Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Prior supply chain or procurement experience within a venture-backed aerospace startup, rapid prototyping facility, or advanced technology development group.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package with minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents.
• Optional HSA/FSA account offerings.
• Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days.
• End of Year Bonuses for eligible employees.
• Beverages and snacks available.
• Paid team meals based on office demands.
• 401(k).
• Relocation Assistance.
• Professional Development Stipend.

Before you apply

• U.S. Person status (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) is strictly required due to access to export-controlled defense technical data.
• Whisper Aero participates in E-Verify.

About the company

Whisper Aero is delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. The company is located in Tennessee and was founded by industry veterans Mark Moore and Ian Villa.