Inventory Analyst

Position Overview

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Inventory Analyst to support inventory accuracy, material traceability, and inventory optimization across manufacturing, warehouse, and production operations. This role is responsible for analyzing inventory transactions, maintaining accurate inventory records, investigating discrepancies, supporting cycle count programs, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure material availability and inventory integrity in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. The Inventory Analyst will collaborate closely with Receiving, Warehouse, Production, Procurement, Planning, Quality, and Finance teams to support operational excellence and manufacturing readiness. Responsibilities are aligned with AST SpaceMobile's focus on inventory accuracy, material flow, production support, and inventory management processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor inventory transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
• Perform daily inventory analysis and investigate inventory discrepancies, shortages, overages, and transaction errors.
• Analyze inventory trends, usage patterns, and material consumption to identify opportunities for inventory optimization.
• Support cycle count programs, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation activities.
• Research root causes of inventory variances and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain inventory master data, including part numbers, locations, units of measure, and inventory classifications.
• Generate and distribute inventory performance reports, dashboards, and KPI metrics.
• Track inventory accuracy, inventory turns, excess inventory, obsolete inventory, and material shortages.
• Monitor inventory movements between warehouse, production, MRB, inspection, and storage locations.
• Support receiving and material handling teams to ensure accurate inventory transactions and material traceability.
• Collaborate with Production Planning and Procurement to identify potential material shortages and expedite corrective actions.
• Validate inventory adjustments and ensure proper approvals and documentation are maintained.
• Assist with implementation and continuous improvement of ERP inventory management processes.
• Support audit activities and ensure compliance with internal controls and inventory management policies.
• Analyze inventory aging and recommend actions for slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, warehouse efficiency, and material flow optimization.
• Prepare management reports and presentations regarding inventory performance and improvement opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant operational leadership experience may be considered.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in inventory analytics, supply chain operations, warehouse operations, and manufacturing operations.

• Experience analyzing large data sets and generating actionable insights.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with ERP, MRP, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Proven track record improving inventory accuracy, reducing inventory costs, and optimizing inventory performance.
• Experience supporting cycle count programs, physical inventories, inventory audits, and inventory reconciliation processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within aerospace, satellite manufacturing, automotive, electronics, defense, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with inventory valuation methods, inventory accounting principles, and financial controls.
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of material requirements planning (MRP), demand planning, supply planning, and inventory optimization methodologies.

Soft Skills

• Excellent organizational and operational planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple sites and competing operational priorities simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and process improvement mindset.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
• Strong analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Technology Stack

• ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or equivalent)
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Inventory management platforms
• Microsoft Excel (advanced reporting and analysis)
• Microsoft Teams and Office Suite
• Barcode scanning and inventory tracking systems
• Reporting and KPI dashboard tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in warehouse, manufacturing, and industrial operational environments.
• Ability to regularly walk warehouse floors and oversee receiving dock operations.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to inspect material handling operations, storage areas, and warehouse infrastructure.
• Ability to travel periodically between operational sites as required.