Technical Program Manager, Supply Chain

Gitai • Los Angeles, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

GITAI is a space robotics company focused on reducing the cost of work in space. We develop robotic systems for orbital, lunar, and defense applications, handling hardware, software, testing, and integration internally to accelerate development cycles. This role is crucial for managing the supply chain execution layer for technical hardware programs, ensuring critical parts, materials, and services are ready when needed. The position requires close collaboration with engineering, program leadership, suppliers, and operations, with a focus on supplier-facing execution, including RFQs, quote comparison, T&C review, purchase orders, delivery follow-up, and commercial risk management. This role supports U.S. government defense programs, including space defense work, and demands strong judgment, negotiation skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving startup environment.

Requirements

• A degree in engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, operations management, or a closely related field is required.
• Experience in procurement, supplier management, contracts, supply chain, or commercial execution in a hardware, aerospace, defense, robotics, or deep tech environment.
• Experience working at an early-stage startup, ideally Series B or earlier, where teams were small, processes were incomplete, and supplier negotiation required judgment, persistence, and creativity rather than large-company leverage.
• Experience supporting U.S. government, defense, aerospace, or Space Force-related programs.
• Working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, export-controlled environments, controlled technical data, supplier access risks, and foreign person restrictions.
• Experience negotiating supplier-facing terms, including T&Cs, PO terms, payment terms, delivery terms, cancellation terms, and commercial risk allocation.
• Ability to work with engineers, understand technical program context, and translate program needs into supplier actions without becoming a bottleneck or a pass-through messenger.
• Good judgment on when supplier support accelerates vertical integration and when it creates dependency, loss of control, compliance risk, or downstream program risk.
• Clear and direct communication with suppliers and internal teams. You should be able to state the issue, the risk, the tradeoff, and the next action.
• Comfort with ambiguity, changing requirements, short timelines, incomplete process, and high program urgency.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance if required for the program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with FAR, DFARS, government contract flow-downs, SBIR, OTA, prime/subcontractor relationships, defense suppliers, prototype procurement, NPI procurement, CNC, PCBA, harnesses, machined parts, test hardware, or specialized engineering services.

Responsibilities

• Own supplier-facing execution for assigned space defense programs, including RFQs, purchase orders, supplier follow-up, delivery tracking, and commercial issue resolution.
• Turn engineering and program needs into executable supplier actions, while keeping technical ownership, schedule control, and mission risk inside GITAI.
• Negotiate supplier terms that protect GITAI, including payment terms, delivery terms, cancellation terms, IP-related terms, warranty, liability, inspection, acceptance, and other commercial risks.
• Review supplier quotes, T&Cs, order documents, and commercial proposals to identify risks before they become program problems.
• Work with engineering and program leadership to understand technical context, urgency, supplier tradeoffs, and what must be protected in each transaction.
• Push suppliers to move quickly while keeping them engaged, knowing when to press, when to trade, when to compromise, and when to escalate.
• Support procurement activity in export-controlled and government program environments, including ITAR/EAR awareness, controlled technical information, and supplier access risks.
• Support defense program execution by tracking flow-down requirements, deliverables, acceptance terms, compliance risks, and supplier commitments.
• Maintain clear visibility into open POs, supplier commitments, delivery risk, lead times, commercial blockers, and next actions.
• Help build supplier execution practices that are strong enough for defense work but light enough for a vertically integrated startup that needs speed.

Benefits

• Health Insurance – Platinum medical plan with 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees; 90% for dependents
• 401(k) Plan – Company match up to 3.5%, with traditional and Roth options
• Equity – Stock option eligibility depending on role
• Relocation Support – Available for qualifying positions
• Time Off – 12 paid holidays per year, 12 days of paid vacation per year, and paid sick leave (in accordance with applicable law)
• Office Perks – Free snacks and drinks, plus regular team events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree