Manager, Supply Chain

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Located along Colorado’s scenic Front Range and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Longmont offers a high quality of life, breathtaking natural beauty, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it the perfect place to balance work and play.

This role is an on-site position based in Longmont, CO. Our Laser and Gimbal Systems Division focuses on building high energy lasers and precision opto-mechanical assemblies for the defense market, supporting critical national security initiatives and defense innovation.

Job Summary:

Attalon, within the Laser and Gimbal Systems Division, is seeking a Supply Chain Manager for our facility in Longmont CO.

The Supply Chain Manager oversees the procurement of materials, goods, and services required to meet organizational demands and specifications, with direct ownership of Purchasing, Subcontract Management, Supplier Logistics, Shipping/Receiving Operations, and associated staff. The role relies heavily on building strong, strategic supplier relationships that drive long‑term stability and performance across the supply base.

The position also partners closely with engineering and manufacturing teams on advanced product development efforts, including high‑energy lasers, gimballed assemblies, space‑based optical telescopes, and active sensing systems. In addition to these owned functions, the Supply Chain Manager is accountable for coordinating cross‑functional supply chain activities that support New Product Introduction (NPI) and bid/proposal processes, including sourcing strategy development, cost inputs, make/buy decisions, and early supplier engagement.

The role ensures compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other government contracting requirements by working closely with internal stakeholders such as Engineering, Program Management, Contracts, and Compliance. While these regulatory and program‑driven activities require broad cross‑functional alignment, the Supply Chain Manager maintains accountability for ensuring supply chain considerations, risks, and requirements are incorporated throughout design, prototype, development, and production phases.

Core Responsibilities (Direct Ownership):

• Lead all procurement and subcontract management activities, including sourcing, purchasing, negotiation, and supplier award decisions.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of procurement specialists, ensuring effective daily execution and professional growth.
• Oversee Supplier Logistics, Shipping/Receiving Operations, and material flow to support development and production schedules.
• Drive supplier performance through active engagement to ensure on‑time delivery, cost competitiveness, and product quality.
• Own the Supply Chain Department budget and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Lead supplier selection and qualification processes, including new component qualification and periodic cost‑standards updates.
• Oversee Supplier Quality performance and corrective action processes.
• Implement and champion LEAN processes across supply chain operations; serve as a LEAN leader for departmental employees.
• Manage material planning, expediting, and delivery timelines to fulfill customer and program demands.
• Ensure supply continuity through dual‑sourcing strategies and risk‑mitigation planning.
• Maintain weekly supply chain KPIs and operational reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Cross‑Functional Responsibilities 

• Partner closely with Engineering and Manufacturing to support product development, prototype builds, and production readiness.
• Coordinate early supplier engagement for NPI programs and bid/proposal activities, including sourcing strategy, cost inputs, and make/buy decisions.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other government‑contracting requirements in collaboration with Contracts, Compliance, and Program Management.
• Work with Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to incorporate production line checks and processes that ensure smooth introduction of new materials and avoidance of shortages.
• Communicate quality expectations and conformance issues with suppliers in coordination with Supplier Quality and Engineering teams.
• Partner with Sales to support material‑flow alignment for customer proposals, incentives, and delivery commitments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field
• 5 years of progressive Supply Chain experience 

• Demonstrated success in contract negotiations and securing best‑value outcomes.
• Strong supplier evaluation, relationship management, and supplier‑performance oversight skills.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical information related to precision engineered components.
• Experience working with multiple ERP systems
• Excellent time‑management, organizational, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Aerospace and Defense Supply Chain Management, including procurement, subcontract management, and supplier sourcing.

• Expertise in strategic sourcing, particularly for precision opto‑mechanical assemblies, laser systems, and optical, mechanical, and electrical components.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), early supplier engagement, and participation in bid/proposal cost structuring.

• IFS or Oracle ERP experience.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and government‑contracting environments, with experience ensuring compliant sourcing and supplier documentation.
• Proficiency in supplier cost‑control, schedule‑driven execution, and long‑term cost‑reduction strategies.
• Experience with Supplier Quality Assessment, corrective actions, and managing supplier performance metrics.
• Ability to lead LEAN initiatives and continuous improvement efforts within supply chain operations.
• Familiarity with operations functions beyond supply chain, including Quality, Inventory Management, Shipping/Receiving, and Configuration Management/Document Control.
• Strong cross‑functional communication and collaboration skills with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, Sales, and Contracts.
• Background managing risk‑mitigation strategies such as dual‑sourcing and supply continuity planning.

For Colorado, the salary pay range for this role is $116,000.00 To $160,000.00

Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.