Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager

Whisper Aero • Nashville, TN

1d

About The Position

Whisper Aero is seeking an experienced Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager to lead end-to-end procurement, supplier industrialization, and material planning for its electric propulsor product line. The role combines hands-on purchasing with strategic supply architecture and serves as the commercial and operational link between engineering design and external manufacturing partners.

Working with Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Finance, the manager will source flight-critical propulsion commodities, establish long-term supplier agreements, secure material availability for engine assembly, and develop an AS9100-compliant supply chain to support growth from development through serial production. The position shapes sourcing strategy while addressing immediate procurement needs and supporting long-term business success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, operations management, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of progressive professional experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management within aerospace, defense, aviation propulsion, electric-vehicle powertrains, or high-reliability electromechanical hardware.
• Experience managing end-to-end sourcing for complex hardware programs through a complete product lifecycle, from early engineering development through tooling qualification to flight testing or serial production.
• Track record negotiating commercial supplier agreements, including MSAs, tooling contracts, and LTAs.
• Hands-on proficiency with modern ERP/MRP software, such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, or Oracle, and experience managing complex multi-level BOMs.
• Operational knowledge of INCOTERMS 2020, domestic freight management, and aerospace logistics execution.
• Ability to balance tactical purchasing with strategic sourcing and capacity planning in an agile, fast-paced hardware development environment.
• U.S. Person status (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) is required due to access to export-controlled defense technical data governed by ITAR and EAR.

Nice To Haves

• Direct sourcing experience with electric-propulsion commodities, including high-power brushless DC motors, motor inverters/controllers, precision rotating assemblies, composite structures, or high-voltage aerospace battery packs.
• Working knowledge of AS9100D, SAE AS9102 First Article Inspection reports, and formal supplier auditing processes.
• Familiarity with civil and defense aerospace certification pathways, airworthiness processes (FAA Part 23/33 or MOSAIC rules), or military-standard hardware specifications.
• Professional supply-chain or operations certification, such as ASCM/APICS CPIM or CSCP, ISM CPSM, or Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Prior supply chain or procurement experience at a venture-backed aerospace startup, rapid-prototyping facility, or advanced-technology development group.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute commodity sourcing strategies for propulsor platforms, including rotor blades, custom electric motors, power electronics/inverters, structural components, and wiring harnesses.
• Lead supplier selection, issue competitive RFQs/RFPs, evaluate technical and commercial proposals, and negotiate NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, and LTAs.
• Develop should-cost models for tooling, NRE charges, raw materials, and tiered piece prices to meet program cost targets.
• Own Clear-to-Build tracking across prototype builds, qualification test articles, ground durability testing, and flight-demonstration engine schedules.
• Execute tactical procurement, including generating purchase orders, tracking supplier confirmations, expediting critical components, managing receiving workflows, and reconciling invoices with Finance.
• Collaborate with Program Management on SIOP/S&OP processes to align material procurement with eQ250 build rates and customer delivery commitments.
• Identify component lead-time risks and execute shortage recovery plans, working with Engineering on qualified alternatives or expedited logistics.
• Maintain ERP/MRP master data, including item masters, multi-level BOMs, standard lead times, MOQs, and safety-stock parameters.
• Partner with Quality and Design Engineering on supplier readiness, including DFM reviews, tooling qualification, and on-site capability audits.
• Establish, evaluate, and maintain the Approved External Providers List (AEPL/AVL) in compliance with AS9100D.
• Implement supplier performance metrics for on-time delivery, supplier non-conformance reports, and corrective-action closure rates.
• Flow down quality requirements in purchasing documents, including First Article Inspections, material test reports, heat-lot traceability, and counterfeit-parts prevention protocols.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. export controls (ITAR and EAR) for supplier technical data exchanges, purchase orders, and engineering drawings.
• Coordinate domestic and international freight for propulsion components, tooling, and test equipment, including LTL, FTL, and expedited air freight.
• Manage import/export compliance, customs-clearance documentation, HTS classifications, and INCOTERMS 2020 terms.
• Manage dangerous-goods transport and compliance for high-voltage aerospace batteries, including UN38.3 and DOT hazardous-material shipping regulations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package with at least 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents, with optional HSA/FSA offerings.
• Four weeks of paid time off starting out, covering vacation, sick, and personal days.
• Competitive, value-based compensation.
• End-of-year bonuses for eligible employees.
• Beverages and snacks available throughout the day.
• Paid team meals based on office demands.
• 401(k).
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional development stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager