Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a highly driven and analytically minded Global Supply Manager to own the full procurement lifecycle for direct materials while providing strategic and tactical support across indirect spend categories. This is a high-impact, dual-function role built for a supply chain professional who thrives in both the boardroom and the details — someone equally comfortable building a should cost model for a complex machined component as they are managing a critical fastener shortage on the shop floor.

This individual will serve as a key contributor to our aerospace supply chain organization, supporting both the launch vehicle and spacecraft engine programs, partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Finance, and Operations to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and supplier accountability across a demanding global supplier base.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a sharp commercial mindset and an obsessive attention to detail. You understand that in aerospace, a missed delivery isn't just a supply chain problem — it's a program risk. You bring strategic thinking to supplier relationships, financial discipline to every purchase decision, and the urgency and composure to manage complex, high-stakes procurement environments. You communicate clearly upward to leadership and outward to suppliers, and you hold both accountable. You don't wait for problems — you anticipate them.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute strategic Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes across a global aerospace supplier network, ensuring competitive pricing, technical compliance, AS9100/AS9102 alignment, and favorable commercial terms
• Build and maintain rigorous should cost models for complex aerospace components including castings, forgings, machined parts, composites, and assemblies to benchmark supplier pricing and strengthen negotiating positions
• Identify, qualify, and manage a diversified global supplier base in accordance with DPAS ratings, ITAR/EAR requirements, and applicable aerospace regulatory standards
• Lead supplier negotiations, long-term agreement (LTA) execution, and ongoing performance management including scorecards and formal business reviews
• Support make-vs-buy analyses and new supplier qualification activities in partnership with Engineering and Quality

Direct & Indirect Procurement

• Own end-to-end direct material procurement for aerospace components and raw materials, including planning, purchasing, and supplier coordination to meet build schedules, MRP demands, and program milestones
• Support indirect procurement needs including MRO, tooling, facilities, and professional services — applying the same rigor and commercial discipline as direct categories
• Drive purchase order management, lead time optimization, and on-time delivery performance across all assigned commodities

Tactical Procurement Execution

• Manage a high volume of tactical purchasing activities with precision and urgency — including PO issuance, order tracking, expediting, and supplier follow-up in support of flight-rate production and MRO/overhaul operations
• Prioritize and process critical vendor payments in coordination with Accounts Payable, ensuring supply continuity and protecting key supplier relationships on long-lead or sole-source items
• Resolve supply disruptions, material shortages, and delivery escapes proactively, escalating appropriately to program and operations leadership when schedule or airworthiness is at risk

Metrics & Reporting

• Own and publish procurement performance metrics and KPIs to leadership on a regular cadence, including but not limited to:
• • Cost savings and cost avoidance
  • Supplier on-time delivery (OTD)
  • Purchase price variance (PPV)
  • Lead time performance and past-due PO aging
  • Spend analytics by commodity, supplier, and program
• Translate data into clear, professional reporting narratives that drive informed decision-making at the program and executive level

Why We Value You

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience demonstrating the same level of competency
• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or purchasing roles within aerospace, defense, aviation, consumer electronics, or automotive industries
• Demonstrated experience issuing and managing strategic RFQs for complex engineered components and aerospace commodities
• Hands-on expertise building should cost models and applying cost analysis frameworks to aerospace parts and assemblies
• Proven ability to manage high-volume tactical procurement with accuracy and urgency in a production or MRO environment
• Experience owning direct material procurement with working knowledge of MRP/ERP-driven purchasing
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards including AS9100, AS9102, and FAA/EASA regulatory requirements
• Understanding of ITAR/EAR export control regulations and their impact on global sourcing activities
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, IFS, or equivalent) and Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build, interpret, and present procurement metrics to leadership

Desired Multipliers 

• CPSM, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain certification
• Experience managing global supplier networks across multiple regions (Americas, APAC, EMEA) within aerospace or defense
• Familiarity with DPAS-rated programs and government contract flow-down requirements (FAR/DFARS)
• Commodity experience in one or more of the following: structural machined parts, castings/forgings, composites, avionics, or raw materials (aluminum, titanium, Inconel)
• Experience supporting NPI (New Product Introduction) or aircraft certification programs

The pay range for this role is: $109,515-149,997

Salary and Benefits

 We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology  trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.