Supply Chain Specialist, Strategic Vendors
longwall
Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. We specialize in ballistic missile defense and are developing Cyclops, a low-cost, mass-producible interceptor. We also produce containerized launchers and offer low-cost targets for threat replication. The future of global security depends on defensive technology that redefines cost, magazine depth, and distribution to deter and defend against evolving threats.
Join us. WHAT WE LOOK FOR Mission-Driven Problem Solvers – The problems in missile defense demand ingenuity. We want engineers who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission. Total Ownership – We seek engineers who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone.
The best engineers make their teammates better, knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success. Supply Chain Specialist, Strategic Vendors DESCRIPTION The Supply Chain Specialist, Strategic Vendors will own Long Wall’s most critical supplier relationships, serving as the primary point of contact and accountable owner for vendors supporting our missile defense programs.
This role manages the supplier lifecycle end-to-end, from sourcing and selection through negotiation, onboarding, delivery, and ongoing performance management for the Company’s most important vendors. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Legal, this person will ensure that our suppliers meet demanding technical, scheduling, and compliance requirements. The role will also include regular travel to supplier sites for capability assessments, business reviews, and hands-on issue resolution.
We’re looking for someone who treats supplier management as a craft. Someone who can build strong relationships, negotiate effectively, take ownership when issues arise, and move quickly to get to a solution. The right person will be comfortable operating with a high level of ownership in a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment. RESPONSIBILITIES: Own and manage the Company’s most critical vendor relationships, acting as the primary point of contact and single accountable owner for strategic suppliers Own the vendor process end-to-end- sourcing, evaluation, selection, negotiation, onboarding, delivery, and post-delivery performance management Lead strategic sourcing activities, including RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, supplier capability assessments, and second-source evaluations Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, in partnership with Legal and Finance Travel to vendor sites to conduct capability assessments, quarterly business reviews, and on-site issue resolution Monitor and manage supplier performance against quality, cost, and on-time delivery targets, including scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action follow-through Manage delivery schedules and purchase order execution for owned suppliers, proactively expediting and resolving shortages, delays, and escalations Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to align supplier capabilities with technical requirements, drawings, and specifications Identify and mitigate supply risks, including single-source dependencies, capacity constraints, and long-lead material exposure Ensure suppliers meet applicable compliance requirements, including ITAR/EAR export control and quality system expectations Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and purchase order data in the ERP system Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives across the supply base as the Company scales BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field 5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier/vendor management, with direct ownership