Supply Chain Specialist, Strategic Vendors
Long Wall
Long Beach, CA · $120k–$170k a year · Posted September 9, 2026
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About the job
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, technicians, and corporate professionals 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 those who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, technicians, and corporate professionals 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 of strategic supplier relationships
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:
Demonstrated experience owning supplier relationships end to end, from sourcing and selection through delivery and ongoing performance management
Strong negotiation skills, with experience negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and supplier agreements
Experience managing supplier performance through scorecards, business reviews, and corrective actions
Experience working in ERP and procurement systems and analyzing supplier, cost, and delivery data to drive decisions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to domestic vendor sites
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:
Experience within aerospace & defense or another complex, highly regulated manufacturing environment
Experience sourcing complex hardware such as machined components, electronics, or aerospace-grade materials
Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control requirements and FAR/DFARS flow-downs
Experience building or improving sourcing and procurement processes in a fast-growing company
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, or other relevant supply chain certification is a plus
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and via telepresence
Ability to pick up to 50lbs
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment
ITAR Requirement This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.
National Security Suitability Depending on the position, Long Wall may require the successful completion of a national security suitability screening in addition to its standard background check. Where required, the screening is conducted by Long Wall’s Facility Security Officer following offer acceptance and may include verification of any current or prior U.S. government security clearances or public trust positions. Information provided during the screening is used solely to determine suitability for the role and is held in confidence by Security. For positions subject to this requirement, any offer of employment is contingent upon a favorable suitability determination.