Vast is looking for a
Buyer, reporting to the
Director of Supply Chain, to support the development of the systems required to design and build artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations. This is a
full-time, exempt position located in
Long Beach, CA.
Responsibilities- Support end-to-end sourcing activities for assigned commodities/categories, from demand identification through supplier selection and purchase order placement
- Conduct ongoing market research to identify potential suppliers/subcontractors, assess capabilities, and support RFQ/RFP execution
- Experience sourcing tight-tolerance, low-volume/high-mix, prototype, development, or production hardware
- Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to ensure suppliers have the necessary capabilities
- Develop the supply base, optimize the supply base to meet long-term program needs.
- Lead source selection, negotiations, and contracting strategies aligned to program, customer, product, and in-service needs
- Own/maintain sourcing documentation, including RFQs/RFPs, bid analyses, supplier records, and purchase orders in ERP systems
- Track supply and demand signals and coordinate with planning/program teams to support schedule alignment and on-time delivery
- Partner with quality, engineering, manufacturing, finance, legal/contracts, and program management to support supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost)
- Support supplier performance management and continuous improvement efforts (QCD), including corrective actions and recovery plans as needed
- Identify cost and lead time opportunities through basic cost analysis, pricing reviews, and value-focused sourcing recommendations
Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities, high accountability, and cross-functional collaboration across all levels
Minimum Qualifications (Level I)- 0-2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or a related role (internships/co-ops acceptable)
- Basic understanding of procurement processes (RFQ, PO lifecycle, supplier communication, lead times, Incoterms a plus)
Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and attention to detail
Minimum Qualifications (Level II)- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- 2-4+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing operations
- Experience supporting supplier selection and RFQ/RFP cycles, negotiations, and PO placement
Exposure to manufacturing and/or aerospace supply chains strongly preferred
Preferred Skills & Experience- Experience creating/updating RFPs/RFQs, purchase orders (POs), and work orders within an ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)
- Ability to analyze quotes and build basic cost/price comparisons; familiarity with BOMs
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities with ambiguous inputs and shifting timelines
- Strong organizational skills and ability to make sound decisions with limited information
- Team-oriented and able to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, ops, planning, contracts/legal, and finance
Comfortable working in a high-intensity environment supporting critical mission milestones
Additional Requirements- Ability to travel up to 20%
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical mission milestones
Pay Range: California
$73,964-$105,051 USD
We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBase salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
