Contract Instrumentation Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT:

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

Become a vital force in Firefly's groundbreaking journey to Launch, Land, and Orbit! Our Supply Chain Team is seeking sharp, energetic individuals with an unwavering eye for detail. As a Supply Chain Manager for Spacecraft Programs, you'll be a critical pillar of the Firefly Supply Chain Team. Step up, contribute meaningfully, and shape the future with us.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the primary, dedicated supply chain interface for Spacecraft Program Managers, Engineers, and mission success stakeholders.
• Embedded directly with program teams to translate development roadmaps and production schedules into clear, actionable material demand plans.
• Maintain real-time material readiness metrics, early warning risk trackers, and clear Line of Balance (LOB) visibility for program leadership.
• Scrutinize early-stage Bills of Materials (BOMs) to identify critical long-lead components, complex RF/electronic instrumentation, and specialized sub-assemblies before they impact the schedule.
• Execute advanced buys and risk-release strategies to secure scarce production slots and material allocation from top-tier aerospace and defense manufacturers.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering to proactively identify single-source risks and qualify secondary, compliant alternative components.
• Lead the end-to-end commercial execution for program-critical vendors, including drafting and issuing complex Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Negotiate terms and conditions (T&Cs), pricing structures, Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and strict quality/delivery service level agreements (SLAs) tailored to dynamic program needs.
• Conduct rigorous supplier evaluations, manage corrective actions for missed delivery or quality milestones, and ensure supplier alignment with aerospace/defense compliance metrics.
• Coordinating with manufacturing teams to forecast material needs based on production schedules and fallout risk.
• Support program budget management, analyzing material cost variances and identifying cost-saving initiatives like waste reduction.
• Drive internal communication through collaboration with Firefly stakeholders (Program Management, M&P, Quality, Engineering, Production, Inventory Control, and other functional areas).
• Facilitate regular business reviews with key suppliers to discuss performance metrics, future opportunities, and challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong affinity for networking and building lasting relationships with internal and external partners.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive supply chain, subcontracts, or program procurement experience, ideally within a fast-paced aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware manufacturing environment.
• Deep experience sourcing complex electronics, RF components, or specialized instrumentation.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully negotiating complex supplier contracts, corporate agreements, and statement-of-work modifications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Knowledge of ERP software and tools.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel as required.
• MS Office (including Excel, Word & Outlook)

Desired

• Odoo ERP/MRP knowledge.
• ITAR experience.
• Aerospace Industry experience as an OEM, Supplier, Contractor, or Sub-contractor.
• Experience in an R&D focused environment, Prototyping and test environment a plus.
• AS9100 experience

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.