Supply Chain Lead Jobs in Washington

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Supply Chain Administrator, you support daily supply chain operations and help maintain smooth communication across suppliers, quality, and internal programs. You manage supplier records, support new vendor onboarding, monitor compliance documentation, and help identify risks within the supply base. Your work strengthens supplier relationships, supports production and development programs, and helps ensure the supply chain remains compliant, reliable, and ready to deliver.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and ensures active suppliers provide current certifications, including AS9100/ISO9001, National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP), and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)/Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
• Reports risks associated with upcoming certification expirations and the potential impact on production and development programs.
• Initiates new vendor setup through the approval process and manages deactivation or downgrading of suppliers on the ASL.
• Supports risk‑mitigation activities by assessing strengths and weaknesses of the supply base and helping develop contingency plans for critical hardware and components.

Required Qualifications

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing or quality control.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, organize tasks, and maintain attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practices, quality standards, and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
• Experience with quality control in the space and defense industry.
• Experience with Epicor Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.