Head of Strategic Sourcing

Company Overview
Fortastra designs and delivers resilient, high-performance spacecraft that safeguard critical orbital assets and ensure freedom of action in space. We integrate advanced autonomy, sensing, and control into systems engineered for reliability, speed, and scale. Our culture values simplicity, accountability, and disciplined execution. We expect leaders to think systemically, act decisively, and take ownership of mission outcomes. Aggressive innovation. Disciplined execution.
Strength among the stars.

You will strategically lead Fortastra’s Supply Chain function within the Engineering Division, owning supplier strategy, procurement execution, and hardware readiness across our spacecraft portfolio.

The Role
Fortastra is seeking a Head of Strategic Sourcing
to lead the company’s supply chain strategy in support of rapidly developing autonomous spacecraft systems.

This is a hands‑on leadership role focused on supplier management, procurement execution, and hardware readiness across the company’s spacecraft programs. You will build the operational foundation required to rapidly develop, integrate, and deliver mission‑critical hardware in dynamic and constrained environments.

The ideal candidate brings experience operating in fast‑paced aerospace or defense environments and enabling engineering teams to move quickly without sacrificing execution or reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the company’s supply chain strategy across spacecraft hardware and products
• Lead supplier sourcing, qualification, negotiation, and vendor management activities
• Drive procurement and long‑lead planning to support aggressive development timelines
• Partner closely with engineering and manufacturing to improve manufacturability, scalability, and hardware readiness
• Identify and mitigate supplier, production, and material risks before they impact execution
• Establish operational processes for purchasing, inventory management, and production planning
• Support manufacturing, integration, and test activities through effective material coordination
• Build and lead a high-performing supply chain organization as the company scales
• Act as the primary operational authority for supply chain planning and execution across programs

Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field
• 8+ years of strategic experience in aerospace, defense, spacecraft, aviation, robotics, or other high-reliability hardware environments
• Demonstrated experience of strategic leadership, managing complex suppliers, procurement activities, and hardware delivery schedules
• Strong understanding of supply chain operations, production planning, and hardware lifecycle management
• Experience supporting rapid development programs and prototype-to-production transitions
• Ability to operate cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams
• Experience working within fast‑paced, high‑accountability environments
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, purchasing workflows, and inventory management practices
• Strong organizational, communication, and execution skills
• Familiarity with aerospace quality, traceability, DFARS, and ITAR environments preferred

Requirements

• 5 days on-site in Torrance, CA
• Ability to obtain or hold an active TS/SCI clearance desired

Why Fortastra

We are a small, high-impact team building the next generation of autonomous orbital control systems for national security space. At Fortastra, leaders own outcomes from first principles through flight and directly shape the future of resilient, mission‑critical spacecraft autonomy.

FORTASTRA TALENT & CULTURE PRINCIPLES

Values Driven by First Principles

We value engineers and operators who prioritize sound judgment, candor, technical rigor, bias for…