Job Description

Who we are:

Fuse builds innovative communications, networking, and computing solutions that improve the sharing of information, video, text, and voice among operators distributed throughout the airborne, maritime, and ground environments. We are a technology firm creating inhouse software, network, and hardware solutions that support our noble cause of advancing warfighter capabilities with elegant, user focused communications, networks, and software systems.

About this role:

Fuse Integration is looking for an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead sourcing, supplier management, and purchasing for our aerospace and defense electronics programs.

This senior role will define and drive our supply chain strategy across key categories including electronic components, PCBAs, mechanical parts, cable harnesses, software licenses, and contract manufacturing. The position will ensure our supply base supports cost, schedule, and technical performance objectives. You will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Programs, and Finance to build a resilient, high‑performing supply chain that enables our products to be delivered on time and on budget.

You are a key driver of how Fuse aligns materials, suppliers, and sourcing strategies with our technology and product roadmaps.

What you’ll do:

Strategic Supply Chain & Sourcing Leadership

• Define and execute strategic sourcing and supply chain approaches across major categories and, as needed, across multiple product lines and sites.
• Develop long term supplier portfolio strategies to meet defense contracting requirements, drive improvements, and reduce risks.
• Coordinate purchasing strategy across Fuse disciplines to support build-planning and align with financial plans and objectives.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that link supply chain to cost, schedule, and technology roadmaps, including NPI and product lifecycle management.
• Develop and maintain acquisition strategies, including supplier risk mitigation plans.

Supplier Management & Performance

• Own key supplier relationships, including selection, negotiation, contracting, and ongoing performance management.
• Drive supplier performance in quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness through data driven metrics and supplier scorecards.
• Lead supplier business reviews and continuous improvement initiatives; address chronic issues and implement corrective actions.
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers to support new technologies, capacity, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to support supplier qualification, audits, and corrective action programs.

Operational Excellence & Risk Management

• Partner with Program Management and Operations to ensure material availability for key milestones and production builds, balancing inventory, lead times, and risk.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks (e.g., sole‑source items, long lead components, obsolescence, geopolitical or capacity risks).
• Support efforts to improve planning accuracy, reduce lead times, and increase on‑time delivery through better supplier agreements and internal process improvements.
• Drive cost‑reduction initiatives (e.g., alternate sourcing, volume leverage, terms optimization) while maintaining or improving performance and reliability.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Support NPI by aligning sourcing and supply chain strategies with product and technology roadmaps, enabling smooth transitions from prototype to production.
• Provide supply chain inputs to bids and proposals, including material cost estimates, lead‑time assumptions, and supply risk assessments.
• Mentor and guide buyers, planners, and other supply chain team members in best practices, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

Financial & Business Acumen

• Own or significantly influence material cost targets and contribute to cost‑of‑goods‑sold (COGS) improvement plans.
• Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO), including price, logistics, inventory, quality, and risk.
• Support make/buy analyses and investment decisions related to tooling, long‑term agreements (LTAs), safety stock, and strategic inventories.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, sourcing, or procurement, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, high‑reliability electronics, or a similarly regulated/complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience supporting DoD programs and familiarity with FAR/DFARS considerations in sourcing and contracting.
• Experience in an AS9100‑certified environment.
• Proven track record defining and executing strategic sourcing strategies for electronic and electro‑mechanical categories (e.g., components, PCBAs, harnesses, machined parts, contract manufacturing).
• Demonstrated success in negotiating complex agreements, driving cost reductions, and improving supplier performance.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems, BOM structures, and how Engineering, Planning, and Purchasing interact.
• Experience managing supply chain risk (obsolescence, long‑lead and sole‑source parts, capacity/geopolitical risks).
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and influence skills across levels—from buyers and engineers to executives and key suppliers.
• High change‑leadership capability, with experience leading process improvements or supply chain transformation initiatives.
• U.S. citizen.
• Able to work locally on‑site in San Diego, CA

Nice to have:

• Background working closely with Engineering on NPI, DFM/DFA, and make/buy decisions.
• Continuous process improvement and process development experience.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, PMP) a plus.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office products, especially Microsoft Dynamics Business Central a plus.

Your own unique talents. If you meet some requirements of this position but not 100% of the qualifications outlined above, tell us why you’d be a great fit for this role based on your specific characteristics that align with our values and goals.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $165,000

More about Fuse:

Founded in 2010, Fuse is a veteran‑owned, rapidly growing small business. Our San Diego‑based company has earned recognition as an emerging leader in airborne, maritime, and ground networking. Placing the warfighter at the center of every design process, Fuse delivers intuitive, agile, and resilient products that go beyond national security requirements—providing lasting utility and game‑changing results.

We take pride in our brilliant and talented team as well as our dynamic, collaborative, and creative environment. We build cutting‑edge hardware and software products that solve complex national security challenges for our warfighters at the tactical edge.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 11 paid Federal Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 40 hours of paid sick leave per year
• 401k with employer matching
• Annual bonuses
• Cell phone reimbursement: $100/month