Inventory Specialist

Job description

About WindBorne Systems WindBorne Systems designs, builds, and operates the world's largest constellation of long-duration smart weather balloons, collecting atmospheric data from pole to pole to power better forecasts. Our Global Sounding Balloons are engineered and manufactured in-house at our Redwood Shores facility. As we scale production, accurate inventory and reliable shipping and receiving are critical to keeping the factory running. We are hiring an Inventory Specialist to own our inventory records and manage the flow of components, materials, and finished hardware in and out of the building. Role Summary The Inventory Specialist maintains accurate inventory records and runs day-to-day shipping, receiving, and material handling for our manufacturing operation. You will keep our systems in sync with what is physically on the shelf across electronics, sensors, balloon materials, and manufacturing supplies; move and kit parts to support the production line; process inbound and outbound shipments; and produce the counts and reports the production and operations teams rely on. This is a hands-on role that combines detail-oriented record keeping with warehouse, stockroom, and fulfillment work in a fast-moving hardware environment. Key Responsibilities Inventory Records & Reporting - Maintain accurate, up-to-date inventory records across all parts and SKUs — electronic components, sensors, balloon materials, and consumables — ensuring system quantities match physical stock. - Plan and perform regular cycle counts and periodic full physical inventories; investigate and resolve discrepancies at the source. - Reconcile counts within inventory / ERP and order-management systems and keep bills of materials (BOMs) and part records accurate. - Maintain lot and serial traceability for parts and materials in line with quality and aerospace-grade handling requirements. - Track stock levels against production demand, flag low or excess inventory, and support reorder points and purchasing decisions. - Produce inventory reports on stock levels, consumption, shrinkage, and adjustments for the manufacturing and operations teams. - Maintain organized, clearly labeled, and traceable storage so parts are easy to locate, count, and pull for the production line. Shipping, Receiving & Material Handling - Receive inbound shipments: verify contents against packing slips and purchase orders, inspect for damage, and log parts into inventory. - Pick, kit, and stage components and materials, and replenish line-side stock to support production and assembly schedules. - Move materials throughout the facility using material handling equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts. - Pack and ship outbound orders, hardware, and equipment accurately and on time. - Generate shipping labels, coordinate with carriers and freight, and track shipments to delivery. - Process returns, RMAs, and material transfers back into inventory. - Follow material handling, ESD, and safety procedures, and use scanners / barcode systems to record transactions. - Keep the receiving, shipping, and stockroom areas clean, safe, and organized (5S). Qualifications Required - High school diploma or equivalent. - 2–5 years of experience in inventory control, warehouse, stockroom, or shipping/receiving, ideally in a manufacturing or hardware environment. - Proven accuracy with inventory records and comfort reconciling physical counts against a system of record. - Experience with inventory / ERP or order-management software; solid spreadsheet skills, basic math, and general computer literacy. - Strong attention to detail, organization, reliability, and follow-through. - Comfortable operating, or willing to be certified on, material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack). Preferred - Current forklift certification and/or OSHA safety training. - Experience handling electronic components, sensors, or engineered materials, including ESD-safe handling. - Familiarity with bills of materials (BOMs), kitting, lot/serial traceability, and supporting a production line. - Experience with barcode / RF scanning systems and shipping platforms and carriers (e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS, freight). - Interest in hardware, aerospace, climate, or weather technology is a plus. Physical Requirements & Work Environment - Frequently and repetitively lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs; carry lighter loads regularly. - Stand and walk for extended periods (up to a full shift), and bend, reach, climb, stoop, and grasp as needed. Salary Starting at $27/hour. We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels for this position and will adjust our offers to be competitive with market rates.