Director, Global Supply Chain Chief Engineer

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Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is seeking a technically deep and strategic Director of Supply Chain Engineering to lead supplier-engineering excellence across our ADP (“Skunk Works”) and Production (F35, IFG and AMMM) Programs.
This role is essential in resolving sub-tier technical issues, driving manufacturability, and optimizing supplier processes. You will work cross-functionally within Supply Chain Management (SCM), Sustainment Operations, Engineering and Technology (Domain Excellence and Line of Business Engineering), Manufacturing Engineering, and Program Management to ensure supplier readiness, scalable production, and alignment with program goals.
Core Responsibilities Technical Supplier Oversight & Issue Resolution - Lead complex technical issue resolution at sub-tier suppliers (e.g. machining, composites, assemblies), performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions. - Provide onsite technical field support—typically spending significant time at supplier facilities. - Partner with supplier leadership and integrated LM teams to expedite parts, alleviate shortages, and mitigate supply chain disruptions. Producibility & Manufacturing Optimization - Influence design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) during early stages to prevent downstream producibility issues. - Introduce lean principles, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve throughput, quality, and cost-effectiveness at supplier sites. Program Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with F35, IFG and AAAM Program Management, Procurement, Supplier Quality, and Design Engineering to align supplier capabilities with program schedules and performance goals. - Engage closely with Advanced Development Program (ADP) teams in Palmdale as program development matures toward production-scale readiness.
- Support integrated product team (IPT) collaboration to unify technical strategy and execution. Capacity & Rate Readiness Integration - Coordinate with Global Supply Chain’s Capacity & Rate Readiness team to align supplier capacity with demand and production ramp plans. - Review capacity assessments, identify constraints, and guide supplier improvements for scalable, on‑time performance. Leadership & Strategic Development - Build and mentor a high-performing supply chain engineering team. - Set and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier technical performance, schedule reliability, and quality. - Drive longer-term capability improvements at suppliers to support Lockheed Martin’s innovation and growth. - Up to 25–30% travel, primarily to supplier facilities across U.S. and occasional international supplier sites. - U.S. Citizenship & eligibility for government security clearance (Secret or above). Desired skills - Master’s in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering. - Proven expertise in manufacturability, DFM/DFA, RCCA, lean/manufacturing optimization. - Experience working in development programs and transitioning designs into scalable production. - Experience with advanced manufacturing tools: digital thread, additive, Industry 4.0, automation. - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt. - Prior experience with F‑35, F‑22, C‑130, or other LM Aeronautics platforms under high performance/regulatory environments. - Strong data analytics skills and familiarity with SCM systems (SAP, Supplier Intelligence Dashboard, EDSC, Tableau).
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