AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
AST SpaceMobile is seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Control Inventory Supervisor to lead inventory control operations supporting manufacturing and production activities across the organization. This position is responsible for overseeing inventory accuracy, material availability, cycle count programs, work-in-process (WIP) inventory management, and production material flow to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
The Production Control Inventory Supervisor will supervise inventory personnel, coordinate cross-functional inventory activities, monitor inventory performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This role serves as a critical liaison between Production Control, Planning, Warehouse Operations, Procurement, Receiving, Manufacturing, Finance, and Quality teams to support schedule attainment and operational excellence in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise daily inventory control operations supporting production and warehouse activities.
- Ensure timely availability of materials required to support manufacturing schedules and work orders.
- Oversee inventory transactions including issues, returns, transfers, adjustments, and inventory reconciliations.
- Monitor WIP inventory movement and ensure accurate tracking throughout the production process.
- Coordinate material allocation and inventory prioritization for critical production requirements.
- Review inventory shortages and collaborate with Planning and Procurement teams to mitigate risks.
- Ensure compliance with inventory control procedures, material traceability requirements, and company policies.
- Manage inventory disposition activities for excess, obsolete, damaged, and non-conforming materials.
- Lead cycle count programs and annual physical inventory activities.
- Monitor inventory accuracy and implement corrective actions for inventory discrepancies.
- Investigate root causes of inventory variances and develop preventive solutions.
- Ensure accurate maintenance of inventory records, locations, lot numbers, serial numbers, and part master data.
- Support internal and external audits and ensure compliance with inventory control requirements.
- Validate inventory adjustments and ensure proper approvals and documentation are maintained.
- Supervise and develop Inventory Control Specialists, Material Handlers, and Inventory Analysts.
- Assign daily work priorities and monitor team productivity.
- Conduct employee training on inventory management processes, ERP transactions, and operational procedures.
- Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
- Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and monitor inventory-related KPIs and operational metrics.
- Generate inventory reports, shortage analyses, cycle count performance reports, and management dashboards.
- Support ERP system enhancements and inventory process optimization initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy, material flow, warehouse efficiency, and production support.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings to review production schedules, inventory risks, and operational priorities.
- Lead continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing and best practices.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of inventory control, production control, supply chain, warehouse, or manufacturing experience.
- Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, satellite, defense, electronics, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of inventory auditing, cycle count methodologies, and inventory reconciliation processes.
- Experience managing lot-controlled, serialized, and highly regulated inventory environments.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience utilizing Power BI, Tableau, or advanced reporting tools.
- Strong leadership and employee development skills.
- Understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) and barcode scanning technologies.
Soft Skills
- Excellent organizational and operational planning skills.
- Strong problem-solving and process improvement mindset.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
- Strong analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Technology Stack
- ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or equivalent)
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Teams and Office Suite
- Reporting and KPI dashboard tools
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in warehouse, manufacturing, and industrial operational environments.
- Ability to regularly walk production floors
- Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to travel periodically between operational sites as required.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.