PteroDynamics Inc. Supply Chain Manager Colorado Springs, CO · Full time Company website

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PteroDynamics is a pioneer in autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft and inventor of the Transwing VTOL system that overcomes the inherent shortcomings of current VTOL aircraft by combining the speed, range, endurance, and payload capacity of a fixed-wing airplane with superior VTOL performance in a simple, efficient autonomous UAS platform.

PteroDynamics Inc. designs superior autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems that fly faster and go farther to reach remote locations without runways, even in harsh conditions. PteroDynamics’ Transwing® aircraft is unlike any other VTOL system, performing like a great fixed-wing aircraft with superb VTOL capabilities. Transwing aircraft unfold their wings to transition smoothly and quickly between vertical and horizontal flight, overcoming limitations inherent in other VTOL designs by combining fixed-wing aircraft’s speed, range, and endurance with superior VTOL performance in an efficient, highly automated platform. The Transwing is ideal for automating time-sensitive delivery of critical high-value payloads to hard-to-reach locations, including maritime logistics support, payload delivery to remote locations without airstrips, and reconnaissance and surveillance. Seeing is believing. Visit PteroDynamics.com for details and videos.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Inventory and Materials Management

• Manage inventory of aircraft parts, raw materials, composite materials, adhesives, hardware, shop supplies, consumables, tools, and production support items
• Build and maintain the Plan for Every Part (PFEP): part number, supplier, lead time, minimum order quantity, storage location, and replenishment method
• Track stock levels, min/max thresholds, and reorder points for critical production materials, and maintain accurate inventory records with disciplined transaction rules
• Run cycle counts, inventory audits, and material reconciliation, and identify shortages, overstock, expired, or damaged materials before they impact the build
• Maintain proper storage, labeling, and segregation of production materials, including cold-chain and out-time control of shelf-life-sensitive materials (adhesives, epoxies, resins, prepregs, paints, primers, solvents)
• Ensure materials are staged and available to meet the production schedule

Purchasing and Vendor Coordination

• Source and order tools, materials, supplies, hardware, consumables, and production equipment against released requirements
• Maintain the approved supplier list, evaluate suppliers, and identify and qualify new sources as needed
• Request quotes, compare pricing, and drive purchasing decisions with a total-cost and lead-time view
• Own the requisition-to-purchase-order-to-receipt-to-pay flow in partnership with Finance, including approval thresholds, receipt matching, and invoice handoff
• Track open purchase orders and delivery timelines; escalate supplier delays, backorders, and lead-time risks to production leadership
• Maintain vendor records and purchasing documentation and, as the function matures, a critical-vendor plan and vendor validation program
• Support cost control by reviewing recurring purchases and identifying savings and consolidation opportunities

Logistics and Material Flow

• Own inbound and outbound logistics: freight, carrier selection, receiving, shipping, and delivery coordination across the manufacturing operation
• Manage material flow from the receiving dock through the stockroom to point-of-use, including line-side delivery and kitting to the shop floor
• Plan and execute logistics for multi-site operations and facility transitions, including material staging, inter-site transfers, and continuity of supply during moves
• Coordinate outbound shipment of finished assemblies, subassemblies, returns, and vendor shipments (including RMA and repair logistics)
• Own receiving discipline: verify inbound shipments against purchase orders, retain certifications, and log lots and materials in coordination with Quality
• Manage hazardous-material handling and shipping compliance and support export-control documentation for domestic and international shipments
• Optimize packaging, storage layout, stockroom organization, and internal material movement to reduce handling, damage, and travel time

Production, Tooling, and Equipment Support

• Coordinate with Airframes, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations to anticipate upcoming production needs and ensure technicians have parts, tools, and consumables staged before work begins
• Support kitting of parts and materials for aircraft builds, subassemblies, repairs, modifications, and integration work, reducing downtime caused by missing materials
• Support shop organization, tool control, and consumable control
• Track shop tools, shared equipment, fixtures, shop aids, and production support equipment with clear accountability, and support maintenance, calibration, replacement, repair, and procurement of tooling and production aids

Systems, Documentation, and Cross-Functional Communication

• Own the supply chain toolset — controlled spreadsheets and dashboards and maturing toward purpose-built inventory, ERP, or MRP systems as processes are proven
• Create and maintain inventory, purchasing, receiving, and material-control procedures, and build long-lead ordering plans with order-by dates derived backward from the production ramp
• Support receiving-inspection documentation and material traceability in coordination with the Quality Management System; maintain records for lot numbers, batch numbers, expiration dates, purchase orders, certifications, and vendor information
• Identify supply chain bottlenecks and lead the transition from informal shop purchasing to structured, controlled supply management
• Communicate material availability, shortages, and risks to production and program leadership, and coordinate closely with Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations, Airframes, and integration/flight-operations teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience 
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, inventory, logistics, materials management, or manufacturing support (aviation, aerospace, or regulated manufacturing environment preferred)
• Hands-on experience building or implementing inventory and material-control systems — not just operating an existing one
• Demonstrated ownership of purchasing and vendor coordination, including quoting, POs, and supplier management
• Experience managing inbound and outbound logistics, receiving, and material flow
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and inventory, purchasing, or ERP/MRP tools
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to track many orders, vendors, materials, and deadlines at once
• Strong communication skills with technicians, engineers, vendors, Finance, and leadership
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment and to build process where little exists
• Ability to regularly lift and move work-related equipment weighing up to 45 pounds 
• US Citizenship / Permanent Resident status

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Aerospace, aviation, UAS, or defense industry experience
• Experience with aircraft parts, composite materials, adhesives, prepregs, paints, primers, solvents, or other shelf-life-sensitive materials
• Experience implementing ERP, MRP, inventory-control, or PFEP systems from the ground up
• Experience supporting production kitting, line-side delivery, or manufacturing material planning
• Familiarity with receiving inspection, lot tracking, material traceability, and quality documentation
• Familiarity with export-control requirements (EAR/ITAR) and hazmat shipping regulations
• Forklift, hazmat, ESD, safety, or material-handling certification
• Military logistics, aviation supply, maintenance supply, or tool-control experience

Company Values

• People
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Knowledge

What We Offer

At PteroDynamics, you will have the opportunity to significantly impact the future of aerial technology through creativity and innovation. The company offers a comprehensive compensation package, which includes a competitive salary, stock options, company-sponsored medical insurance, dental, vision, term life insurance with an AD&D rider, 401(k) plan with up to 3% matching by the company, long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, paid sick time, and a collaborative, inclusive working environment in an exciting, growing startup company.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by anyone authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

PteroDynamics is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

If you’re ready to join us in reshaping the future of UAVs, we encourage you to apply for this position and bring your unique technical brilliance to our team!