Vice President of Supply Chain

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

Apex is seeking a Vice President of Supply Chain to lead the strategy, execution, and scaling of our end-to-end supply chain organization. This role will oversee purchasing, strategic sourcing, supplier quality, materials planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain operations to support the rapid production of next-generation spacecraft.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will develop the systems, processes, and supplier partnerships necessary to scale manufacturing while balancing cost, quality, delivery, and reliability. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Executive Leadership to ensure our supply chain is capable of supporting aggressive production goals and future growth.

This role reports directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Responsibilities:

• Lead and scale Apex's supply chain organization across purchasing, strategic sourcing, supplier quality, materials planning, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics.

• Develop the long-term supply chain strategy to support manufacturing scale, new product introduction (NPI), and production readiness.

• Build and develop high-performing teams, organizational structures, and operational processes that enable rapid growth.

• Establish KPIs, reporting, and planning systems to improve supplier performance, inventory health, and operational efficiency.

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier selection, executive negotiations, and long-term supplier partnerships.

• Drive supplier quality, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure reliable delivery of mission-critical hardware.

• Oversee materials planning, demand forecasting, inventory strategy, and production support to ensure material availability and manufacturing continuity.

• Develop scalable logistics and warehousing strategies that improve material flow and support production and customer delivery schedules.

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, capacity constraints, and sourcing challenges.

• Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to support production ramp, manufacturing scalability, and operational excellence.

• Drive continuous improvement across the supply chain through data-driven decision making, process optimization, and operational rigor.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field. MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus.

• 10+ years of progressive supply chain leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments.

• 4+ years leading large-scale supply chain organizations at the Director or Vice President level.

• Experience leading purchasing, strategic sourcing, supplier quality, materials planning, inventory management, and logistics functions.

• Proven experience scaling supply chain organizations in high-growth manufacturing environments.

• Experience managing organizations of 40+ employees preferred.

• Strong background negotiating with global suppliers and managing complex hardware supply chains.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, supply chain planning, forecasting, and analytics.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, satellite, defense, automotive, aviation, or other high-reliability manufacturing industries.

• Experience supporting vertically integrated manufacturing organizations.

• Experience scaling production from prototype through high-volume manufacturing.

• Familiarity with export control regulations and government contracting requirements.

• Passion for building world-class manufacturing organizations that enable the next generation of space systems.

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in…