Job Description
Supply Chain Lead (Level 4) – Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Seniority: Level 4
Reports To: Director of Operations (or Chief Engineer, as appropriate)
Company Description
Purple Rhombus designs, builds, manufactures, and tests unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for U.S. government and commercial customers. Focused on producibility, Purple Rhombus aircraft are engineered for scalable manufacture, rapid deployment, and mission-ready performance. We are seeking mission-driven individuals to join the team to build the next generation of unmanned aircraft.
Position Overview
Purple Rhombus is seeking a Supply Chain Lead (Level 4) to execute and lead day-to-day procurement, sourcing, and material management activities across UAS platforms from development through early production. This role is responsible for ensuring parts, materials, and subassemblies are available to support engineering builds, flight test, and production schedules, while actively identifying supply chain risks and supporting supplier trade studies and alternate sourcing efforts.
The Supply Chain Lead operates as a senior individual contributor with ownership of purchasing execution, inventory visibility, and supplier coordination, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program leadership to ensure supply decisions support manufacturability and scale.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement and Purchasing Execution
Execute purchasing activities for parts, materials, and subassemblies across prototype, test, and production aircraft. Solicit supplier quotes, issue and manage purchase orders, track lead times and delivery status, and coordinate expediting of critical-path items to support engineering, flight test, and production schedules.
Inventory and Materials Management
Maintain accurate inventory records and material status for engineering builds, test articles, and production aircraft. Track material consumption, support kitting activities, and identify shortages or risks that may impact build schedules or aircraft availability. Communicate material status clearly to engineering, manufacturing, and program teams.
Supplier Sourcing and Trade Studies
Support and execute structured supplier trade studies to identify alternate suppliers and form-fit-function replacements. Compare suppliers on cost, lead time, scalability, quality, certifications, and geographic or regulatory risk. Provide sourcing recommendations and supporting data to engineering and leadership to inform design and procurement decisions.
Supplier Coordination and Risk Identification
Interface directly with suppliers to manage delivery commitments, resolve issues, and clarify technical or commercial details. Identify single-source or fragile suppliers and elevate risks with proposed mitigation options such as alternate sourcing, early buys, or inventory buffers.
Cross-Functional Manufacturing and Engineering Support
Work closely with engineering teams to support design-for-manufacturability efforts, alternate part selection, and specification rationalization. Support manufacturing readiness activities, build planning, and early production execution. Provide supply chain inputs to schedules, cost estimates, and program reviews.
Required Qualifications
Five or more years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing roles supporting hardware products. Demonstrated experience executing purchase orders, tracking inventory, and managing supplier communications. Ability to read and work from BOMs, drawings, and technical specifications. Experience supporting structured supplier comparisons or trade studies. Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent practical experience. Ability to travel to supplier sites, production facilities, and test locations as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) programs. Familiarity with AS9100, ISO, or similar quality environments. Experience sourcing COTS electronics, machined components, and avionics hardware. Exposure to ERP or MRP systems. Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR considerations and domestic sourcing requirements. Experience supporting prototype builds or early production environments.
Competencies and Attributes
Strong execution mindset with attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to identify supply chain risks early and communicate impacts clearly. Comfortable working in fast-moving, engineering-driven environments. Effective communicator with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Demonstrates ownership of material readiness and schedule support.
Annual salary range: $83,000–$115,000
Travel: 10% per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance