Manufacturing & Supply Chain Transition Lead (EEI Program)

Overview MagLev Aero is seeking a hands-on manufacturing and supply chain lead to accelerate our transition from prototype to scalable production, as part of our participation in DARPA’s Embedded Entrepreneurship Initiative (EEI). This role is funded under the EEI program and is focused on preparing our advanced propulsion systems for low-rate initial production (LRIP), with an emphasis on make/buy strategy, supplier engagement and management, and manufacturability. The Manufacturing & Supply Chain Transition Lead will work closely with the Mag Lev Aero team, the DARPA Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) team, and the DARPA Senior Commercial Advisor (SCA).  Responsibilities Lead manufacturing readiness strategy, transition roadmap, supply chain framework, and execution of scalable processes Define make/buy decisions and evaluate sourcing options Develop scalable production plans and manufacturing milestones Engage, vet, and onboard qualified vendors and manufacturing partners Establish and maintain key supplier relationships, including performance tracking and risk management Support creation of eBOMs, create mBOMs and generate production cost models Prepare onshoring strategies for controlled and restricted technology products Support design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA) initiatives Conduct supplier audits and track production readiness Collaborate closely with MagLev Aero’s engineering and executive teams to ensure manufacturability and design-for-production alignment Coordinate with the DARPA CSO and DARPA SCA to align commercialization and supply readiness objectives Provide inputs to technical data packages and support system qualification planning Support establishment of production documentation, CM, and part traceability systems