Logistics Manager

About Pyka
Pyka's goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.

To get there, we're taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.

We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.

Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA.

Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce C02 emissions in their respective industries.

What you work on at Pyka makes people's lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.

Role Overview
Pyka is looking for a driven and detail-oriented Logistics Manager to oversee logistics coordination and all export, import, customs and tariffs related matters across our international operations. You will join during a period of rapid growth and play a critical role in building a resilient, scalable supply chain to support production of our autonomous electric aircraft.

In this role, you will leverage your experience working with global freight forwarders, customs brokers, 3PLs, etc. You will collaborate closely with our Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, Field Operations, Supply Chain and Engineering to ensure material can be shipped both to our customers and from our international suppliers to Pyka in a cost-effective, timely and seamless manner. This will ultimately support Pyka's mission of delivering safe, clean, and cost-effective autonomous aviation solutions worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Perform essential Logistics functions including coordinating both inbound and outbound logistics with internal stakeholders and freight forwarders, ensuring that materials arrive on time to support production and customer schedules, and minimize shortages
• Oversee all shipments to ensure adherence to EAR export control regulations, including product classification, license management, and denied-party/end-use screening
• Prepare and maintain accurate export documentation, coordinate with government agencies and freight forwarders, and ensure proper filing of customs declarations and records
• Ensure all shipments adhere to local and international trade laws, including tariffs, quotas, and country-specific regulations for imports and exports
• Develop both short term plans and long term strategies for the inbound and outbound logistics that not only maintain compliance with laws, but also optimize for cost and delivery time, based on Import and Export rules for each country where we have business partners
• Negotiate with freight forwards to get best freight solutions based on Pyka's requirements on cost, delivery schedule, etc. for each shipment. Request quotations, negotiate pricing and net terms, to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with logistics service providers, fostering collaboration to enhance quality and delivery performance while addressing any issues that arise
• Maintain accurate data related to pricing, lead times. Analyze data to inform strategic procurement decisions
• Setup and optimize workflows for the Logistics function within the ERP system, as well as help the Supply Chain team establish resilient and robust processes as the organization grows
• Track and analyze logistics costs, including freight, duties, and brokerage fees, and provide regular reports to management on shipping performance and budget adherence
• Help assess and improve existing logistics workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
• Assist the rest of the Supply Chain team and wider Pyka organization on import and export of goods
• Strategize and plan for offsite warehouses both in the US and Overseas for the long term

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field
• 7+ years past experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in a Logistics role managing complex international supply chain and customer delivery routes
• Proven track record of executing on day to day logistics and related responsibilities
• Proven track record working with CM's in China and Mexico at both the component as well as assembly level
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration, time management and prioritization skills
• Deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, including supplier evaluation, quality assurance, and risk management
• Deep understanding of ERP/MRP systems and the functional workflows for supply chain and logistics
• Strong knowledge of U.S. export control regulations (ITAR, EAR) and international trade compliance requirements
• Experience with export classification (ECCN/HTS), licensing processes, and denied-party screening tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing logistics in electro-mechanical products, robotics, autonomous hardware, defense, aerospace, automotive, high tech, or another related industry
• Previous experience in implementing ERP systems as they relate to supply chain and logistics (ex., supplier portal, warehouse management )
• Strong team player who can wear different hats to help your team move forward. Willing to tackle individual contributor tasks while managing a small team
• Experience in a "Big" company environment as well as a startup

Company Perks

• Equity
• Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
• FSA with employer matching
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks

Export Control Requirements
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.

Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

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We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.

Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.