Operations and Logistics Associate at Wardstone in El Segundo, CA

Overview

You will keep Wardstone running day to day. You’ll purchase parts and materials, receive and ship hardware, manage inventory and the facility, and handle logistics for test campaigns so engineers can stay focused on building Hailstorm, our first interceptor. You’ll report to the Head of Business Operations.

You’ll work with every team at Wardstone. If parts arrive on time, hardware reaches the test range, and the shop never runs out of supplies, you’re doing your job well.

What You’ll Do

Purchase and manage vendors

• Place and track purchase orders for parts, materials, tools, and services.
• Work with vendors on quotes, lead times, and deliveries, and follow up when orders slip.
• Track spending and keep purchasing records organized.

Receive, ship, and track inventory

• Receive incoming shipments, check them against orders, and route parts to the right teams.
• Pack and ship hardware to vendors, test sites, and customers.
• Maintain inventory of parts, raw materials, and shop supplies, and restock before they run out.

Coordinate test logistics

• Plan logistics for test campaigns, including shipping hardware and equipment, travel, lodging, and rental equipment.
• Work with test ranges and facilities on access, schedules, and paperwork.

Run the facility

• Manage facility needs, including maintenance, utilities, safety supplies, and building access.
• Support onboarding for new hires, including equipment, access, and workspace.
• Help maintain ITAR and security procedures, such as visitor logs and controlled-document handling.

Required Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in operations, logistics, purchasing, or a related role.
• Highly organized, with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Clear, responsive communication with vendors and teammates.
• Comfortable with spreadsheets and purchasing or inventory tools.
• Valid driver’s license, and able to lift up to [50] lbs.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). [Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance.]

Nice to Have

• Operations experience in aerospace, defense, or hardware manufacturing.
• Hazardous materials shipping certification (DOT or IATA).
• Experience with ITAR or export compliance procedures.
• Military logistics experience.
• Forklift certification.
• Experience with purchasing or ERP software.
• Prior early-stage startup experience.