
Head of Supply Chain at Fortastra Corporation (Torrance, CA)
Fortastra Corporation· Torrance, CA·
Job description
Company Overview Fortastra designs and delivers resilient, high-performance spacecraft that safeguard critical orbital assets and ensure freedom of action in space. We integrate advanced autonomy, sensing, and control into systems engineered for reliability, speed, and scale. Our culture values simplicity, accountability, and disciplined execution. We expect leaders to think systemically, act decisively, and take ownership of mission outcomes. Aggressive innovation. Disciplined execution. Strength among the stars.
Team / Department
You will lead Fortastra’s Supply Chain function within the Engineering Division, owning supplier strategy, procurement execution, and hardware readiness across our spacecraft portfolio.
The Role
Fortastra is seeking a Head of Supply Chain to lead the company’s supply chain strategy in support of rapidly developing autonomous spacecraft systems. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on supplier management, procurement execution, and hardware readiness across the company’s spacecraft programs. You will build the operational foundation required to rapidly develop, integrate, and deliver mission-critical hardware in dynamic and constrained environments. The ideal candidate brings experience operating in fast-paced aerospace or defense environments and enabling engineering teams to move quickly without sacrificing execution or reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the company’s supply chain strategy across spacecraft hardware and products
- Lead supplier sourcing, qualification, negotiation, and vendor management activities
- Drive procurement and long-lead planning to support aggressive development timelines
- Partner closely with engineering and manufacturing to improve manufacturability, scalability, and hardware readiness
- Identify and mitigate supplier, production, and material risks before they impact execution
- Establish operational processes for purchasing, inventory management, and production planning
- Support manufacturing, integration, and test activities through effective material coordination
- Build and lead a high-performing supply chain organization as the company scales
- Act as the primary operational authority for supply chain planning and execution across programs
Qualifications and Skills
- B.S. or higher in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, spacecraft, aviation, robotics, or other high-reliability hardware environments
- Demonstrated experience managing complex suppliers, procurement activities, and hardware delivery schedules
- Strong understanding of supply chain operations, production planning, and hardware lifecycle management
- Experience supporting rapid development programs and prototype-to-production transitions
- Proven ability to operate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams
- Experience working within fast-paced, high-accountability environments
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, purchasing workflows, and inventory management practices
- Strong organizational, communication, and execution skills
- Familiarity with aerospace quality, traceability, DFARS, and ITAR environments preferred
Requirements
- On-site role (no remote or hybrid arrangements)
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Ability to obtain or hold an active TS/SCI clearance desired
Why Fortastra? Join a small, high-impact team building the next generation of autonomous orbital control systems for national security space. At Fortastra, leaders own outcomes — from first principles through flight — and directly shape the future of resilient, mission-critical spacecraft autonomy.
Why work at Fortastra Corporation
- Mission-driven work: Directly contribute to protecting the space systems that global society depends on, at a company that values action, rigor, and solving hard problems.
- Early-stage equity: Employees receive early-stage equity, sharing in the company’s growth from the ground up.
- Comprehensive benefits: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and their families; unlimited and flexible PTO.
- Performance-focused culture: Described as a performance-focused, people-first culture that invests in well-being so employees can focus on building spacecraft that matter.
- Hands-on impact: With only 16 people, employees have significant ownership and the chance to shape both the technology and the company’s trajectory.
- Location: Based in Torrance, CA (Southern California), with a dedicated workshop and test facilities.
- ITAR requirements: Many roles require U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status as defined by ITAR.