---
title: 'Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager at Whisper Aero'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/supply-chain-sourcing-manager-whisper-aero-nashville-zhmprptnfpm7'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-28'
---

# Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager at Whisper Aero

- **Company:** Whisper Aero
- **Location:** Nashville, TN
- **Posted:** 2026-10-16
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-28
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/whisperaero/jobs/5455497008

## Job description

Our Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.

## About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking a driven, experienced Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager to lead end-to-end procurement, supplier industrialization, and material planning for our electric propulsor product line. In this role, you will balance hands-on tactical purchasing with strategic supply architecture, serving as the commercial and operational link between engineering design and external manufacturing partners.

Working collaboratively with Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Finance, you will manage sourcing for flight-critical propulsion commodities: precision machined components, brushless electric motors, motor controllers/inverters, high-voltage battery modules, and specialized aerospace hardware. You will establish long-term supplier agreements, secure material availability for engine assembly lines, and build the AS9100 compliant supply chain required to scale production from initial development to serial production.

By maintaining a strategic focus on sourcing, you’ll ensure that the organization not only meets its immediate procurement needs but also positions itself for long-term success in the marketplace. This is a unique opportunity to shape the supply chain strategy for a product that is poised to disrupt the market.

## What You’ll Do

Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Architecture

- Formulate and execute commodity sourcing strategies for our propulsor platforms, covering precision rotor blades, custom electric motors, power electronics/inverters, structural components, and wiring harnesses.
- Lead supplier selection, release competitive RFQs/RFPs, evaluate technical and commercial proposals, and negotiate comprehensive agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and Long-Term Agreements (LTAs).
- Develop should-cost models covering precision tooling, non-recurring engineering (NRE) charges, raw materials, and tiered piece prices to meet program cost targets.

Production Planning, Material Control & Tactical Execution

- Maintain ownership of Clear-to-Build (CTB) tracking across prototype builds, qualification test articles, ground durability testing, and flight-demonstration engine schedules.
- Execute the complete tactical procurement cycle: generating purchase orders (POs), tracking supplier confirmations, expediting critical-path components, managing receiving workflows, and reconciling invoices with Finance.
- Collaborate with Program Management to implement Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP/S&OP) processes, aligning material procurement plans with eQ250 build rates and customer delivery commitments.
- Identify component lead-time risks and execute shortage recovery plans, partnering with Engineering to identify qualified alternative components or arranging expedited logistics to protect program schedules.
- Maintain master data integrity within the company’s ERP/MRP system, including item masters, multi-level Bills of Materials (BOM), standard lead times, order minimums (MOQs), and safety stock parameters.

Supplier Quality, Industrialization & Aerospace Compliance

- Partner with Quality and Design Engineering to assess supplier manufacturing readiness through Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews, tooling qualification, and on-site capability audits.
- Establish, evaluate, and maintain the Approved External Providers List (AEPL/AVL) in strict compliance with AS9100D quality standards.
- Implement supplier performance metrics, monitoring monthly on-time delivery (OTD), supplier non-conformance reports (SNCR), and corrective action request (SCAR) closure rates.
- Enforce quality requirement flow-downs across all purchasing documents, including, but not limited to, First Article Inspections (SAE AS9102), material test reports, heat-lot traceability, and counterfeit parts prevention protocols (AS5553/AS6174).
- Ensure strict adherence to U.S. export controls (ITAR and EAR) across all supplier technical data exchanges, purchase orders, and engineering drawings.

Logistics & Aerospace Material Movement

- Coordinate domestic and international freight operations for propulsion components, tooling, and test equipment, managing Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full-Truckload (FTL), and expedited air freight.
- Manage import/export compliance, customs clearance documentation, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, and INCOTERMS 2020 terms.
- Manage dangerous goods transport and compliance protocols for high-voltage aerospace battery systems, ensuring compliance with UN38.3 and Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous material shipping regulations.

## Basic Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, operations management, or a related technical field.
- 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.
- Demonstrated 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.
- Proven track record of negotiating commercial supplier agreements, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs), tooling contracts, and Long-Term Agreements (LTAs).
- Direct hands-on proficiency with modern ERP/MRP enterprise software (e.g., NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle) and managing complex, multi-level Bills of Materials (BOM).
- Solid operational knowledge of INCOTERMS 2020, domestic freight management, and aerospace logistics execution.
- Demonstrated ability to balance hands-on tactical purchasing duties 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 strictly required due to access to export-controlled defense technical data governed by ITAR and EAR.

## Preferred Qualifications

- Direct sourcing experience with electric propulsion commodities: high-power brushless DC electric motors, motor inverters/controllers, precision rotating assemblies, composite structures, or high-voltage aerospace battery packs.
- Working knowledge of aerospace quality management systems (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 (e.g., ASCM/APICS CPIM or CSCP, ISM CPSM) or Lean Six Sigma certification.
- Prior supply chain or procurement experience within a venture-backed aerospace startup, rapid prototyping facility, or advanced technology development group.

Benefits:

- Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
- PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
- Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life
- End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
- We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional Development Stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

## About Whisper Aero

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Whisper Aero develops ultra-quiet, scalable electric propulsion systems for drones, jets, and air-moving products, aiming to make flight cleaner and less disruptive.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series A) – total funding $41M
- **Headquarters**: Crossville, Tennessee, USA (with a corporate office in Nashville)
- **Founded**: 2020
- **Founders**: Mark Moore (CEO) and Ian Villa (COO & CPO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; electric propulsion for UAVs, eVTOL, and collaborative aircraft
- **Target customers**: B2B – defense (DoD), commercial aviation, drone logistics, and potentially consumer air-mobility; also air-moving applications (fans, HVAC)
- **Mission statement**: “Deliver the next generation of cleaner, quieter, more efficient thrust for drones, jets, and more” – redefining how and where the world moves.

## Products & Services
- **UltraQuiet™ Propulsion System**: Proprietary electric ducted fan architecture delivering thrust from 5 to 500 lbs, speeds from 40 to 400 knots, and claims 20% greater efficiency than open-rotor designs. Available as the eQ160 propulsor.
- **JetFoil™ Propulsion**: A new family of ultra-quiet, ducted electric thrusters for autonomous collaborative logistics aircraft, funded by U.S. Air Force STRATFI/OECIF.
- **Custom Demonstrator Drones**: Bespoke UAV platforms used to validate first-principles quiet flight (e.g., demonstrator drone flown in 2024).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Total funding – $41M across three rounds (venture round $7.5M in 2021, Series A $33M in 2023, state grant $0.5M in 2025). Estimated annual revenue: $20M per LinkedIn data (unverified).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Capricorn Investment Group, EVE Atlas, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (grant), Tennessee Tech University, U.S. Air Force (STRATFI/OECIF funding).
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount grew 31.8% YoY to 67 employees (LinkedIn)
  - Opened an 8,000 sq ft Flight Test Center at Crossville Memorial Airport (funded by $1.2M state appropriation)
  - Partnered with Tennessee Tech to build a 130,000 sq ft manufacturing and testing facility (largest low-speed wind tunnel in the state)
  - Emerging from stealth at AIAA AVIATION 2023; named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Ian Villa, 2022) and Nashville Dealmaker of the Year (2024)

## Competitive Advantages
- **UltraQuiet™ Technology**: ~20 dB quieter than conventional open-rotor propulsion, enabling flights closer to communities and quieter drone operations.
- **Efficiency & Scalability**: 20% more efficient than alternatives; thrust range from 5 to 500 lbs covers small drones to full-scale aircraft.
- **First-Principles IP**: Founded by Mark Moore, NASA pioneer of Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) who led the Puffin, GL-10, LeapTech, and X-57 projects – a deep technical moat.
- **Proven DoD Backing**: US Air Force STRATFI/OECIF contracts validate military interest and de-risk development.

## Strategic Focus
- Scale manufacturing and testing via the joint facility with Tennessee Tech.
- Expand from aviation into broader air-moving products (e.g., fans, HVAC) using the same quiet, efficient core technology.
- Win additional defense contracts for autonomous logistics aircraft.
- Continue refining UltraQuiet™ propulsion for commercial eVTOL and last-mile drone delivery.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Intellectual rigor, trust, and ambition” – values include “Embody Safety”, “Foster creative genius”, and “Prioritize Efficiently”. Low-ego, high-impact environment.
- **Location**: Dual presence – Crossville (rural, near Great Smoky Mountains) and Nashville (city life, music, growing tech hub). Outdoor activities accessible from both.
- **Benefits**:
  - 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision (75% for dependents)
  - 4 weeks PTO plus federal holidays
  - Stock options for all full-time employees
  - Annual professional development stipend
  - End-of-year bonuses
  - Paid office lunches (MWF) and snacks
- **Work Environment**: Primarily on-site in Tennessee (Crossville or Nashville). No income tax. Fast-growing startup with hands-on engineering and flight testing.
- **Notable Perks**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge electric propulsion from first principles, with direct impact on real aircraft flight.

## Sources
1. [whisper.aero](https://www.whisper.aero/) – Company overview
2. [whisper.aero/about](https://www.whisper.aero/about) – History, team, milestones
3. [whisper.aero/careers](https://www.whisper.aero/careers) – Benefits and culture
4. [LinkedIn – Whisper Aero](https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisperaero) – Employee count, funding, revenue estimates
5. [Greenhouse – Jobs at Whisper Aero](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/whisperaero) – Current openings and company description

## Other roles at Whisper Aero

- [Systems Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-administrator-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-09fywj5s72ab) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- [CFD / Aero Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cfd-aero-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-j1hsjky4a8ke) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- [Structures Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/structures-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-9xq21t8x3c7p) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- [Senior Mechanical Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-test-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-g9sqv95j7f7a) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- [Project Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/project-engineer-whisper-aero-crossville-ptxp1nkbnwtz) — Crossville, TN
- [Program Manager, High Thrust Propulsors](https://feeny.ai/job/program-manager-high-thrust-propulsors-whisper-aero-nashville-fybfzq6zey2f) — Nashville, TN