Technical Program Manager, Supply Chain

Who We Are GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. At our core is the space robotics technology that has defined GITAI from the beginning. A small, highly capable engineering team applies that foundation across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for applications such as Earth observation. Today, a major focus of our work is supporting U.S. national security missions, particularly through proliferated LEO satellite constellations and other next-generation space systems. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house. Electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams work closely together, allowing a small team to own complete systems rather than isolated components. This vertical integration helps us move quickly, learn directly from hardware, and shorten the path from architecture to a working system. We are still early. The systems, the company, and the market are all being built at the same time. Requirements change, technical problems are often ambiguous, and many answers do not yet exist. We are looking for exceptional engineers who want broad ownership, can work across disciplines, and are willing to stay close to the hardware until the mission succeeds. Your Mission GITAI moves fast through vertical integration. We keep core technical ownership in-house, build directly with our engineering teams, and use external suppliers only where they help us move faster without giving up control of the mission. Your mission is to drive the supply chain execution layer for technical hardware programs. This means turning engineering and program needs into supplier actions, material readiness, delivery commitments, and commercial terms that protect GITAI. This is not a purchasing admin role. It is also not a pure internal program management role. You will work close to engineering, program leadership, suppliers, and operations to make sure critical parts, materials, services, and supplier deliverables are ready when the program needs them. The VP of Program Management will own upstream program context, supplier direction, and major program priorities. Engineers will own technical direction and design decisions. You will own supplier-facing execution: RFQs, quote comparison, T&C review, purchase orders, delivery follow-up, supplier escalation, material readiness, and commercial risk. This role supports U.S. government defense programs, including space defense work. It requires strong judgment, practical negotiation skill, and the ability to operate from the position of a fast-moving startup without the leverage of a large prime contractor. What You’ll Drive Own supplier-facing execution for assigned space defense programs, including RFQs, purchase orders, supplier follow-up, delivery tracking, and commercial issue resolution. Turn engineering and program needs into executable supplier actions, while keeping technical ownership, schedule control, and mission risk inside GITAI. Negotiate supplier terms that protect GITAI, including payment terms, delivery terms, cancellation terms, IP-related terms, warranty, liability, inspection, acceptance, and other commercial risks. Review supplier quotes, T&Cs, order documents, and commercial proposals to identify risks before they become program problems. Work with engineering and program leadership to understand technical context, urgency, supplier tradeoffs, and what must be protected in each transaction. Push suppliers to move quickly while keeping them engaged. Know when to press, when to trade, when to compromise, and when to escalate. Support procurement activity in export-controlled and government program environments, including ITAR/EAR awareness, controlled technical information, and supplier access risks. Support defense program execution by tracking flow-down requirements, deliverables, acceptance terms, compliance risk…