What are the responsibilities and job description for the Logistics & Inventory Specialist position at Northwood?
About Northwood:
Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.
Role:
As a Logistics & Inventory Specialist, you will lead our domestic and international shipping operations for site deployments. Additionally, you will support inventory operations ensuring that materials, hardware, and components flow seamlessly through our Torrance manufacturing facility.
Responsibilities:
Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.
Role:
As a Logistics & Inventory Specialist, you will lead our domestic and international shipping operations for site deployments. Additionally, you will support inventory operations ensuring that materials, hardware, and components flow seamlessly through our Torrance manufacturing facility.
Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end logistics, including carrier selection, booking, and proactive tracking for domestic and international shipments.
- Manage export documentation, preparing and auditing commercial invoices, packing lists, HTS classifications, and customs paperwork.
- Mitigate transit risks, identifying and resolving delays, holds, or damages before they impact production or site timelines.
- Maintain strict material traceability and handling standards to support both manufacturing and R&D requirements.
- Receive and verify incoming materials for conformity, quantity, and damage-free conditions upon arrival.
- Execute inventory transactions within the ERP system with high precision to ensure data integrity.
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies between physical stock and system records through regular cycle counts.
- Monitor shelf-life and storage conditions, performing stock rotations to ensure part integrity.
- Pick and stage components to keep production lines running efficiently and ensure build accuracy.
- Support continuous improvement of warehouse workflows and safety standards as the department grows.
- 2 years of experience managing domestic and international shipments in a manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience coordinating LTL, FTL, air, and ocean shipments.
- Working knowledge of shipping/customs documentation, Incoterms, and how commercial terms impact cost, risk, and lead time.
- Proficiency in ERP/WMS systems for inventory and shipment tracking.
- Solid understanding of inventory management, kitting, and cycle counting processes.
- Experience with material traceability in a regulated environment (AS9100).
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods (4–6 hours/day) and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- Experience tracking freight spend and identifying strategic cost-reduction opportunities.
- Prior experience in fast-paced, high-growth, or startup environments
- Proficiency operating forklifts and other material-handling equipment
- Familiarity with Manufacturo or other specialized manufacturing software (ERP/MRP/MES)
- Experience in aerospace, electronics, or high-precision manufacturing fields.