Purchasing Inventory Control Manager Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.

As Skydio’s Inventory Control Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing all inventory management activities within a highly regulated aerospace manufacturing environment. This role ensures accurate inventory levels, compliance with aerospace quality standards, and efficient material flow to support production schedules and customer delivery commitments.

• Develop, implement, and maintain inventory control policies, procedures, and systems aligned with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100).

• Monitor and manage raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory to ensure accuracy and availability.

• Lead cycle counting programs, physical inventories, and reconciliation processes.

• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, root causes, and implement corrective actions.

• Collaborate with procurement, production, quality, and engineering teams to ensure material availability and traceability.

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, including lot traceability, serialization, and documentation.

• Optimize warehouse layout, storage practices, and material handling processes for efficiency and safety.

• Analyze/develop inventory metrics (turns, accuracy, shortages, excess/obsolete stock) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Implement and manage ERP/MRP systems to maintain real-time inventory visibility.

• Manage and mentor inventory control staff, setting performance expectations and providing training.

• Support/lead audits (internal, customer, regulatory) and ensure proper documentation and reporting.

• Own and continuously improve inventory control processes across manufacturing, warehouse, and field locations.

• Partner with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to support monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities.

The Inventory Control Manager plays a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and on-time delivery in a highly complex aerospace manufacturing environment. By maintaining accurate and controlled inventory, this role directly enables production continuity and supports the company’s ability to meet stringent customer and safety requirements.

This position drives impact in several key ways:

• Ensures the right materials are available at the right time, minimizing line stoppages and supporting on-time delivery of high-value aerospace components.

• Safeguards adherence to strict aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA), ensuring full traceability of parts and reducing risk of non-compliance or costly recalls.

• Reduces excess, obsolete, and inaccurate inventory, improving inventory turns and freeing up working capital.

• Provides accurate inventory data that informs procurement, planning, and executive decision-making.

• Identifies and resolves discrepancies, preventing shortages, quality escapes, or production delays that could impact customers or contracts.

• Leads initiatives to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and enhance system capabilities (ERP/MRP), driving long-term operational scalability.

• Acts as a key bridge between supply chain, production, quality, warehousing, and engineering teams to ensure seamless material flow and accountability.

Ultimately, this role is essential to maintaining the precision, reliability, and compliance that aerospace manufacturing demands—directly contributing to customer satisfaction, operational performance, and business success.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 5–10+ years of inventory, warehouse, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace or defense.

• Strong knowledge of inventory control practices, MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).

• Experience with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001) and traceability requirements.

• Familiar with SOX compliance and internal control frameworks (e.g. COSO) is preferred.

• Proven leadership experience managing teams in a production or warehouse setting.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, reporting dashboards).

• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP) or similar.

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

• Familiarity with FAA, ITAR, or export compliance regulations.

• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $131,00 - $168,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/