SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

SENIOR BUYER - RAW MATERIALS

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Buyers are responsible for placing all purchase orders for Rocket Lab.  Buyers support engineering R&D through production ramp, securing supply of the thousands of part we use to build launch vehicles, satellite systems, and their components.  Buyers make daily decisions that are responsible for ensuring we meet our cost, quality, and delivery goals.  This particular role will support all raw material purchases for Rocket Lab programs.  The scope will cover but not be limited to, aluminum, composites, and our 3D printed materials. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Accountable for sourcing materials after appropriately evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs, and vendor performance
• Accountable for the on-time-delivery of material to Rocket Lab
• Responsible for owning the business relationship with assigned suppliers
• Responsible for managing the RFQ process to secure competitive bids and ensure we are achieving best price for goods and services
• Tightly integrate with Engineering teams to meet their procurement requirements and act as primary point of contact for R&D order status
• Provide status to material planners on purchase orders and expected delivery dates
• Accountable for negotiating terms with suppliers to meet quality, cost and delivery requirements
• Accountable for maintaining purchase order data within our ERP system

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or other relevant fields
• 5+ years of related experience as Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or equivalent
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing with suppliers
• Proven knowledge of purchasing processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of time

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Proficient in MRP systems
• Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Experience with AS9100, US export controls
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.