Sr. Director, NPI Supply Chain

Company Overview

At Performance Drone Works (PDW), we're at the forefront of creating custom small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for the modern warfighter. PDW is proudly American owned, with all design, engineering, and manufacturing of our products taking place domestically.

Role

PDW is seeking a Senior Director of NPI Supply Chain to lead end-to-end supply chain execution for new product introduction; from early prototype builds through qualification and ramp to rate production. This leader will define and execute supplier strategies for new programs; driving supplier readiness, long-lead coverage, and material availability to support prototype, qualification, and ramp builds that meet schedule, quality, and production readiness targets. This role requires deep partnership with Engineering and Manufacturing to translate evolving designs into executable sourcing and planning, while maintaining strict adherence to sourcing compliance requirements. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, hardware-development environment and brings disciplined NPI rigor across BOM maturity, long-lead management, change control, and risk mitigation to deliver on-time, production-ready programs

Responsibilities

• Own PDW's NPI supply chain strategy and operating cadence across prototype, EVT/DVT/PVT development cycles, qualification, and production ramp. Aligning supply readiness to program milestones.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQ execution, costed BOM development, and partner in make/buy recommendations for new designs, balancing performance, lead time, domestic sourcing, and lifecycle risk.
• Establish and run NPI procurement workflows (AVL/AML development, supplier onboarding, prototype purchasing, long-lead management, and build kits) with clear gates, approvals, and documentation.
• Partner with Engineering on design for supply chain (DFSC) practices: alternate part strategies, form/fit/function interchangeability, standardization, and obsolescence avoidance.
• Drive supplier qualification and readiness activities (capacity validation, quality systems assessment, first article/FAI readiness, and partner with Quality Assurance on inspection plans, traceability, and corrective action) to meet production reliability requirements.
• Manage engineering change (ECO/ECN) impacts to pre-production supply (ensuring configuration control, disposition of existing inventory, and rapid incorporation of approved changes without disrupting builds.
• Create and maintain NPI material plans and shortage/risk dashboards; proactively communicate constraints, options, and tradeoffs to engineering and program leadership.
• Develop contingency plans for critical/long-lead components, including dual-sourcing strategies, safety stock policies for ramp, and expediting/lead-time recovery when programs slip or designs change.
• Coordinate contract manufacturer and key sub-tier readiness for new programs (tooling, test equipment, fixtures, documentation, and logistics), ensuring smooth transition from pilot to rate builds.
• Ensure NPI supply chain compliance with NDAA, ITAR, DFARS/FAR flow-downs, and Berry considerations, maintaining audit-ready documentation and traceability from supplier to finished good.
• Improve NPI systems and data: Improve PLM/BOM management alignment with ERP/MRP, enforce part master discipline, and implement analytics that shorten cycle time and increase predictability.
• Build and mentor a high-performing NPI supply chain team that bridges engineering, quality, manufacturing, and procurement-fostering a culture of speed, accountability, and innovation.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, sourcing, manufacturing operations, or supplier management roles, with significant ownership of NPI for complex hardware.
• Demonstrated success leading NPI supply chain from prototype to production ramp, including management of long-lead parts and schedule-critical procurement.
• Experience partnering with engineering teams on BOM maturity, design changes, and DFx (DFM/DFT/DFSC), translating technical decisions into supply strategy and execution.
• Proven ability to qualify suppliers and contract manufacturers; familiarity with first article/FAI processes, inspection/traceability requirements, and structured supplier development.
• Strong knowledge of defense production constraints and compliance (ITAR/EAR, NDAA, DFARS/FAR flow-downs) and experience operating in audit-ready environments.
• Strong negotiation skills and supplier management experience across electronics, mechanical components, composites, and complex assemblies; able to build multi-tier risk mitigation plans.
• Hands-on experience using ERP/MRP systems and PLM/BOM tools; able to enforce data discipline (part masters, lead times, MOQ/MPQ, approved sources) and drive planning accuracy. (NetSuite preferred)
• Analytical and financially grounded: cost modeling, should-cost thinking, and clear decision making under schedule and technical ambiguity.
• Excellent executive communication skills; able to lead cross-functional trade studies, influence program decisions, and represent supply readiness to leadership and customers.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.