Procurement and Supply Chain Lead

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.

About the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated Procurement and Supply Chain Lead to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and executing the supply chain and procurement process for various components and services essential to our advanced technology projects. As a Procurement and Supply Chain Lead, you will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their purchasing needs, negotiate with suppliers, promote process and systems improvements, including implementation of a supplier/vendor performance evaluation process, and ensure that we acquire high-quality materials and services at competitive prices.

Your expertise in supply chain and procurement strategies will play a critical role in supporting our mission to deliver innovative satellite technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement within the aerospace or technology sectors, exceptional negotiation skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to see around corners to what's next.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office or Arlington, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement Strategy:
• Develop and implement supply chain and procurement strategies that effectively meet the company's needs while optimizing costs.
• Analyze market trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Supplier Relations:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to foster collaboration and ensure reliable supply chains.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders for market research and supplier identification.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, price, service, and technical capability.
• Contract Negotiation:
• Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers and vendors to ensure compliance with project budgets.
• Draft, review, and manage procurement contracts, ensuring alignment with company objectives and legal requirements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Collaborate with legal, engineering, operations, and finance teams to understand procurement requirements and align purchasing strategies with project goals.
• Provide procurement insights to inform project planning and execution.
• Risk Management:
• Identify and assess procurement risks, developing strategies to mitigate them and ensure supply continuity.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues to minimize disruptions to project timelines.
• Process Improvement:
• Continuously evaluate and refine procurement processes to identify risks and increase efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
• Implement best practices and tools for managing procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Reporting and Compliance:
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management to track procurement performance and initiatives.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with program requirements and federal government regulations as applicable, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement (DFAS).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, ideally in the aerospace, defense, or technology sectors.
• Experience with federal government program support including commercial and non-commercial product and service purchasing, subcontracting, supply chain traceability and compliance requirements.
• Experience with PCB assembly planning and machine shop environments.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to review complex contractual flowdowns, interpret their applicability, and consult with internal legal team members to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes and principles, contract management, and approaches to market analysis.
• Proven ability to analyze data and make informed decisions to optimize purchasing activities.
• Demonstrated experience onboarding and managing suppliers in a regulated industry, including tracking annual certifications, and compliance documentation in coordination with the Legal team and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong ability to build relationships across departments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in procurement software and tools, with experience in ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% to support supplier engagements, audits, and participation in relevant industry events.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading the procurement function or designing company-wide procurement intake, review, and approval processes.
• Knowledge of supply chain dynamics in the aerospace or satellite industry.
• Proficiency with project management software (such as Jira) for daily task management is a plus.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Certifications such as CPPB, CPPO, or equivalent are a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to assess complex procurement scenarios.
• Experience with sustainable procurement practices and vendor diversity programs.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to take initiative.
• Comfortable working in a startup environment with fast-changing priorities.
• Familiarity with U.S. and global export and trade controls, including Harmonized Tariff Schedule classifications.

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free Parking
• Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. 

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $130,000 - $170,000 DOE.

Salary : $130,000 - $170,000