What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Supply Chain - Systems position at Otto Aerospace?
About Otto Aerospace
OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.
About The Role
As the Manager, Supply Chain – Systems, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing the sourcing and supplier strategy for aircraft systems on a clean-sheet program. You will be responsible for building and leading the systems commodity team, overseeing supplier selection, development, and performance across avionics, electrical, hydraulics, fuel, landing gear, and environmental control systems. This role requires both technical and commercial acumen—balancing the urgency of prototype execution with the scalability and rigor needed for certification and production. Ideal for a self-starter in a startup environment, this position is for a builder—of supply bases, processes, and people—who thrives in ambiguity and delivers under pressure.
About The Department
The Supply Chain organization is at the heart of the company’s industrial strategy, enabling the transition from innovative design to production reality. The department’s mission is to establish a world-class supply base and integrated value chain supporting the full lifecycle of the aircraft program—from concept and prototype through certification and full-rate production. Within this organization, the Systems team focuses on the procurement, development, and industrialization of the aircraft’s critical subsystems, including avionics, flight controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, and electrical systems. Collaboration, innovation, and agility define how the team works—partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure the right suppliers, interfaces, and technologies are in place to deliver program success.
What You'll Do
Education
Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short term disability, voluntary long-term disability and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.
Otto Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.
About The Role
As the Manager, Supply Chain – Systems, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing the sourcing and supplier strategy for aircraft systems on a clean-sheet program. You will be responsible for building and leading the systems commodity team, overseeing supplier selection, development, and performance across avionics, electrical, hydraulics, fuel, landing gear, and environmental control systems. This role requires both technical and commercial acumen—balancing the urgency of prototype execution with the scalability and rigor needed for certification and production. Ideal for a self-starter in a startup environment, this position is for a builder—of supply bases, processes, and people—who thrives in ambiguity and delivers under pressure.
About The Department
The Supply Chain organization is at the heart of the company’s industrial strategy, enabling the transition from innovative design to production reality. The department’s mission is to establish a world-class supply base and integrated value chain supporting the full lifecycle of the aircraft program—from concept and prototype through certification and full-rate production. Within this organization, the Systems team focuses on the procurement, development, and industrialization of the aircraft’s critical subsystems, including avionics, flight controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, and electrical systems. Collaboration, innovation, and agility define how the team works—partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure the right suppliers, interfaces, and technologies are in place to deliver program success.
What You'll Do
- Build and lead the Supply Chain – Systems team, including hiring, coaching, and developing talent to support both development and production phases.
- Develop and execute the sourcing strategy for major aircraft systems commodities (avionics, electrical, hydraulics, fuel, ECS, flight controls, and landing gear).
- Establish a capable, competitive, and scalable supplier network aligned with program milestones and certification requirements.
- Lead supplier selection, contract negotiation, and risk management initiatives across complex, high-value system integrators and component suppliers.
- Partner with Engineering to influence design-for-manufacture, system integration, and build-to-spec readiness.
- Define, implement, and monitor supplier performance metrics (KPIs) for quality, cost, delivery, and technical maturity.
- Drive supplier readiness for prototype, flight test, and certification phases, ensuring compliance to program requirements and regulatory standards.
- Develop and implement processes, tools, and governance frameworks to support supplier and program scalability.
- Manage system-level cost, schedule, and quality trade-offs with a data-driven and collaborative approach.
- Act as a key leader within the broader Supply Chain organization, fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- MBA or equivalent advanced education considered an asset.
- Professional certifications (e.g., SCMP, CPSM, PMP, APICS) preferred
- 8 years of progressive experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing supply chain management.
- Proven experience establishing and managing supplier relationships for systems commodities (avionics, electrical, hydraulics, or environmental systems).
- Track record of building or scaling new teams or functions from inception.
- Experience supporting development programs, prototype builds, and early production ramp-up.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives in a startup or fast-paced project environment.
- Strong leadership with a builder’s mindset—able to create structure, process, and culture in a dynamic environment.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into tactical execution.
- Deep understanding of aerospace systems supply base, integration challenges, and cost drivers.
- Highly analytical and data-driven, with proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and performance management tools.
- Collaborative and adaptable, comfortable leading through ambiguity and technical complexity.
- This role is hybrid, with 3 days per week at our Ft. Worth, TX location.
- You willl also be expected to relocate to our new headquarters in Jacksonville, FL in the next 12-18 months (company-paid)
Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short term disability, voluntary long-term disability and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.
Otto Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.