Supplier Program Manager

At Turion Space, we’re on a mission to secure Earth and expand humanity’s reach beyond it. We’re developing spacecraft for national security, in-space servicing, and orbital debris removal. As we prepare for upcoming launches and expand our portfolio of government and commercial programs, we’re looking for a Supplier Program Manager. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic startup environment, brings deep technical credibility, and is passionate about building world-class supply chains to drive execution across teams and ensure successful delivery from concept through launch.

This role is based at our Irvine, California headquarters.

As a Supplier Program Manager at Turion, you’ll be responsible for all execution of our subcontracts delivering to the program management office (PMO). You’ll work collaboratively with PMO to generate requests for proposals (RFPs), execute supplier contracts, manage supplier execution, and implement standard practices and processes for supplier management. In addition to supporting program execution, you will also play a critical role in contributing to proposals by including key supplier information related to the scope of the work requested. A successful candidate will bring experience working with commercial customers, U.S. Government agencies (e.g., DoD, Space Force, NASA), and leading integrated teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage aggressive program timelines and supplier deliverables.

• Lead RFQ processes, technical evaluations, and pricing negotiations.

• Generate statements of work (SOWs).

• Identify and mitigate supplier risks related to quality, schedule, and technical performance.

• Serve as the primary technical and program interface for assigned suppliers.

• Oversee the management of the on-cost and on-time delivery of material, subcontractor support, and deliverables.

• Manage the day-to-day execution of supplier design and development responsibilities.

• Manage a portfolio of suppliers.

• Facilitate clear communication between internal teams and suppliers to resolve technical issues quickly.

Hardware Development & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead sourcing, selection, and qualification of suppliers for critical systems (e.g., precision machining, composites, avionics, propulsion).

• Collaborate with technical leadership to define the supplier requirements for key sourcing needs.

• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to influence early designs for manufacturability (DFM) and supply chain readiness.

• Drive supplier readiness across all development phases—from prototypes to flight qualification.

• Manage First Article Inspection (FAI) processes to ensure compliance with design specifications.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure supplier compliance with AS9100 and other aerospace quality standards.

• Manage ITAR/EAR compliance across the supply base.

• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) efforts for supplier non-conformances.

• Flow down and ensure compliance to FAR and DFAR clauses.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.

• 8+ years of experience in supply chain, technical program management, manufacturing, mechanical engineering in aerospace, space, or defense.

• Proven experience managing suppliers for complex, custom-engineered components.

• Strong background in New Product Introduction (NPI) or rapid development environments.

• Deep understanding of AS9100 and aerospace quality systems.

• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR regulations.

• Experience with FAR and DFAR clauses.

• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.

• Hands-on, self-starter mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup.

• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or MBA) in a relevant field.

• Experience taking hardware from clean-sheet design to flight or production.

• Experience working on LEO or GEO surveillance and reconnaissance programs.

• Familiarity with propulsion, avionics, or structural systems.

• Strong understanding of GD&T.

• Experience with ERP/PLM systems.

• Background in vertically integrated manufacturing environments.

ITAR Requirements:

This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:​

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents. ​

• Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan to help you plan for your future. ​

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge. ​

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.

• Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment. ​

We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.

Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.