Logistics Manager (Flight Test)

At Zone 5 Technologies, our flight test operations depend on disciplined execution and zero-failure logistics. We support multiple concurrent programs across geographically separated sites and demanding flight schedules where late is not an option. We are seeking a Logistics Manager to architect and lead a professional, auditable, and scalable logistics and inventory management capability across all programs and teams.

This role will build and enforce processes that ensure equipment is tracked, maintained, transported, and available, painlessly and on time, across all current and future programs supported by the flight test team.

Responsibilities

Inventory & Asset Management Architecture

· Design and implement a centralized inventory management system for flight test and engineering assets

· Establish sign-in/sign-out procedures with clear accountability and traceability

· Track equipment ownership, custody, duration of use, and program allocation

· Develop serialized asset control for tools, avionics, test equipment, support equipment, and vehicles

· Develop training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inventory control

Equipment Allocation & Program Coordination

· Forecast equipment demand across concurrent programs based on flight test schedules

· Deconflict asset usage between teams

· Establish planning cadence to ensure test equipment and vehicles are staged in advance of need

· Coordinate logistics readiness reviews prior to deployments

Procurement & Replenishment

· Execute equipment purchases using established procurement processes

· Maintain approved vendor lists and long-lead item tracking

· Monitor inventory thresholds and trigger reorders proactively

· Ensure cost efficiency and lifecycle planning of major assets

Fleet & Flight Test Resource Management

· Develop and enforce prior-to-use inspections, weekly inspections, and preventive maintenance schedules for:

o Trucks

o Trailers

o Vans

o Ground support equipment

· Manage vehicle documentation, maintenance logs, and regulatory compliance

· Coordinate repairs and downtime mitigation

Interstate Equipment Movement & Compliance

· Manage logistics movements across the USA and OCONUS, and other operating locations

· Ensure proper paperwork, labeling, and HAZMAT compliance

· Coordinate shipment tracking and chain-of-custody documentation

· Communicate shipment status to program leadership

· Guarantee equipment arrives in-place and mission-ready on schedule

Process & Continuous Improvement

· Establish KPIs for logistics performance (on-time delivery, asset availability, loss rates, maintenance compliance)

· Conduct audits and implement corrective actions

· Develop scalable systems to support company growth

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, or related field (experience in aerospace or defense preferred)

· 5–8+ years of logistics or asset management experience in high-reliability environments

· Experience building inventory systems from scratch preferred

· Familiarity with HAZMAT shipping regulations and interstate transport compliance

· Strong organizational leadership and cross-team coordination skills

· Experience with ERP, inventory software, or asset management systems

· Ability to operate in fast-paced flight test or operational environments

· Ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred

· Experience in aerospace, defense, or flight test operations

· Experience managing distributed assets across multiple sites

· Familiarity with FAA, DOT, and shipping regulations

· Lean / Six Sigma or operational excellence background