Inventory Lead

The Team

This is a unique opportunity to build and shape the foundational inventory systems for a company at the forefront of space exploration. You will have a direct impact on our manufacturing success and play a vital role in our mission. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic, mission-driven work environment.

The Opportunity 

In is a critical, dual-focused role, you will:

• Design the Playbook: Develop and implement inventory processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the unique demands of satellite and rocket manufacturing.
• Lead the Team: Train, mentor, and lead a small but growing team of Inventory Technicians, ensuring they execute day-to-day operations with precision and adherence to established processes.
• Get Your Hands Dirty: Work side-by-side with your team on the factory floor, handling incoming materials, managing stock, and kitting parts for production.
• Champion ERP Integration: Act as the subject matter expert for the inventory module within our Odoo ERP system, mapping existing and new processes into the software and ensuring a successful implementation and adoption.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Strategic Inventory Management:
• Process Development: Design, document, and map all core inventory processes, including receiving, putaway, picking, cycle counting, and kitting, to minimize waste and ensure accuracy.
• ERP Implementation: Lead the functional implementation of the Odoo inventory and warehouse management modules, ensuring a smooth transition from current methods.
• Process Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement using Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S) to optimize material flow and storage layout.
• Reporting & KPIs: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and a reporting framework to monitor inventory accuracy, turn rates, and team performance.

Day-to-Day Operations (The "Player" Role):

• Hands-on Leadership: Directly participate in all daily inventory activities, setting the standard for quality and efficiency.
• Receiving & Inspection: Oversee the receiving of all materials, including flight hardware, raw materials, and components, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.
• Stock Management: Maintain organized and efficient storage areas. Perform regular cycle counts and conduct root-cause analysis for any discrepancies.
• Kitting & Issuing: Manage the kitting process, preparing and issuing materials to manufacturing and assembly teams in line with production schedules.
• Shipping & Logistics: Coordinate outbound shipments and transfers to support launch campaigns and internal needs.

Team Leadership (The "Coach" Role):

• Training & Mentorship: Train and mentor Inventory Technicians on all standard procedures and the Odoo ERP system.
• Performance Management: Provide regular feedback, conduct performance reviews, and foster professional development for the inventory team.

Problem-Solving: Coach the team to proactively identify and resolve inventory-related issues, empowering them to take ownership

Why We Value You

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in a materials or inventory management role within a fast-paced manufacturing or startup environment, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or a similarly complex industry.
• Technical Skills:
• • ERP Expertise: Proven experience with ERP system implementation, configuration, and daily use, with specific Odoo experience being a significant advantage.
  • Inventory Methodologies: Deep understanding of modern inventory practices, including cycle counting, Just-in-Time (JIT), and warehouse management strategies.
  • Data Analysis: Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other data analysis tools.
• Leadership & Soft Skills:
• • Player/Coach Mentality: A hands-on leader who can both execute tasks and effectively guide a team.
  • Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments (e.g., Engineering, Production, Finance).
  • Problem-Solving: A proactive, detail-oriented problem-solver with strong critical thinking abilities.

Education: A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field is preferred. Relevant certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM) are a plus.

The pay range for this role is: $157,250-193,800

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology  trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.