Manager, Supply Chain

About Otto Aerospace

OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth‑generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super‑laminar aerodynamics and high‑precision, net‑shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world‑class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground‑breaking aircraft and economic performance.

As the Manager, Supply Chain – Systems, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing the sourcing and supplier strategy for aircraft systems on a clean‑sheet program. You will be responsible for building and leading the systems commodity team, overseeing supplier selection, development, and performance across avionics, electrical, hydraulics, fuel, landing gear, and environmental control systems. This role requires both technical and commercial acumen—balancing the urgency of prototype execution with the scalability and rigor needed for certification and production.

Ideal for a self‑starter in a startup environment, this position is for a builder—of supply bases, processes, and people—who thrives in ambiguity and delivers under pressure.

The Supply Chain organization is at the heart of the company’s industrial strategy, enabling the transition from innovative design to production reality. The department’s mission is to establish a world‑class supply base and integrated value chain supporting the full lifecycle of the aircraft program—from concept and prototype through certification and full‑rate production. Within this organization, the Systems team focuses on the procurement, development, and industrialization of the aircraft’s critical subsystems, including avionics, flight controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, and electrical systems.

Collaboration, innovation, and agility define how the team works—partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure the right suppliers, interfaces, and technologies are in place to deliver program success.

• Build and lead the Supply Chain – Systems team, including hiring, coaching, and developing talent to support both development and production phases.
• Develop and execute the sourcing strategy for major aircraft systems commodities (avionics, electrical, hydraulics, fuel, ECS, flight controls, and landing gear).
• Establish a capable, competitive, and scalable supplier network aligned with program milestones and certification requirements.
• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiation, and risk management initiatives across complex, high‑value system integrators and component suppliers.
• Partner with Engineering to influence design‑for‑manufacture, system integration, and build‑to‑spec readiness.
• Define, implement, and monitor supplier performance metrics (KPIs) for quality, cost, delivery, and technical maturity.
• Drive supplier readiness for prototype, flight test, and certification phases, ensuring compliance to program requirements and regulatory standards.
• Develop and implement processes, tools, and governance frameworks to support supplier and program scalability.
• Manage system‑level cost, schedule, and quality trade‑offs with a data‑driven and collaborative approach.
• Act as a key leader within the broader Supply Chain organization, fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent advanced education considered an asset.
• Professional certifications (e.g., SCMP, CPSM, PMP, APICS) preferred.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing supply chain management.
• Proven experience establishing and managing supplier relationships for systems commodities (avionics, electrical, hydraulics, or environmental systems).
• Track record of building or scaling new teams or functions from inception.
• Experience supporting development programs, prototype builds, and early production ramp‑up.
• Demonstrated success…