Supplier Development Engineer

Supplier Development Engineer

Long Beach, California OR Denver, Colorado

Space is a war fighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.

What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.

It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

As a Supplier Development Engineer at True Anomaly, you will play a vital role in building and sustaining a world-class supplier base capable of delivering flight-quality hardware to orbit. Reporting to the Sr Director of Supply Chain, you will support the identification, qualification, and continuous improvement of suppliers across key technical domains, ensuring they meet True Anomaly's rigorous standards for quality, cost, and schedule.

This role is ideal for a technically minded engineer who thrives at the intersection of engineering and supply chain — someone who can bridge the gap between our internal engineering teams and our supplier network, and who is passionate about driving lean principles and scalable, resilient processes from the ground up.

Supporting and executing the supplier development lifecycle — focusing on qualification, performance management and continuous improvement — across key commodity areas including Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, and Avionics

Executing supplier qualification processes, including technical audits, capability assessments, and first article inspections (FAI) to ensure suppliers meet program requirements

Leading and facilitating lean implementation initiatives at supplier sites, including value stream mapping, waste reduction efforts, and kaizen events to improve quality, flow, and delivery performance

Supporting resolution of supplier-related technical and quality escapes, including root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) processes

Identifying and escalating supply chain risks, including single-source dependencies, long lead items, and geopolitical or regulatory exposure

Collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure supplier readiness aligns with program milestones and flight schedules

Contributing to the development and continuous improvement of supplier development processes, tools, and documentation in support of scaling the business

Participating in special projects and extending past written role responsibilities as needed to support the team and organization

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline

4–7 years of experience in supplier development, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain engineering

Aerospace and/or Defense industry experience

Hands-on experience implementing lean methodologies (e.g., value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen, kanban, standard work) at supplier or manufacturing sites

Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications

Experience supporting supplier audits, qualification programs, and corrective action processes

Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR, and other aerospace quality and regulatory frameworks

Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Experience with ERP/MRP systems

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Excel, and data-driven supplier performance tools

Willingness to travel to supplier sites as needed (estimated 30–50%)

Space-technology supply chain or hardware development experience

Lean or Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt, Lean Practitioner) or equivalent demonstrated experience

Experience with advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, precision machining, composite fabrication)

Technical fluency in one or more of the following domains:
Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, or Avionics

Experience in a high-growth startup or new space environment

Base Salary: $85,000 - $110,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO, and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Work Location – We observe an in-person work environment, and expect 4 days per week in office at the Company's Denver, CO headquarters or at our facility in Long Beach, California

Security Clearance – Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance required