Senior Buyer

Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Senior Buyer who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy Senior Buyer who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic setting. The Senior Buyer is a seasoned procurement professional responsible for managing the full procurement lifecycle for complex, high-value, and technically demanding purchases of materials, equipment, and services in support of organizational programs and operations. The Senior Buyer serves as a subject matter expert within the Procurement team, providing guidance to junior buyers, leading negotiations with strategic suppliers, and ensuring all procurement activities are executed in full compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and contractual requirements. This role requires a high degree of independent judgment, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, program-driven environment.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute the full procurement lifecycle from pre-procurement planning through contract closeout for complex, high-value, and technically sensitive purchases including materials, equipment, services, and subcontracts

• Develop, issue, and manage competitive solicitations including Requests for Quotation (RFQ), Requests for Proposal (RFP), and Invitations for Bid (IFB) in accordance with organizational policy and applicable regulations

• Conduct thorough price and cost analysis to establish fair and reasonable pricing prior to award including market research, and competitive benchmarking

• Negotiate terms, conditions, pricing, delivery, and performance requirements with suppliers and subcontractors to achieve best value outcomes for the organization

• Draft, review, and administer purchase orders, blanket purchase orders, and subcontracts including all required terms, conditions, quality clauses, and regulatory flow-downs

• Manage supplier and subcontractor performance throughout the period of performance including milestone tracking, delivery monitoring, invoice review, and issue resolution

• Process purchase order modifications, amendments, and change orders in a timely and accurate manner

• Coordinate subcontract closeout activities including final invoice reconciliation, deliverable acceptance confirmation, and file documentation

• Identify and escalate compliance concerns, conflicts of interest, or potential ethics violations to Procurement leadership

• Ensure all suppliers providing classed materials or services are verified on the Approved Supplier List prior to award in coordination with Procurement Quality

• Conduct and document Non-Disclosure Agreement verification prior to release of any proprietary technical data or drawings to suppliers

• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, Finance, Contracts, Configuration Management, and Quality to ensure procurement activities align with program requirements, budgets, and schedules

• Participate in program reviews, integrated product team meetings, and supplier technical interchange meetings as the Procurement representative

• Support the development and review of Statements of Work, technical specifications, and acceptance criteria in collaboration with engineering and technical stakeholders

• Coordinate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies, payment holds, and supplier account issues in a timely manner

• Provide procurement guidance and training to Material Planners, requisitioners, and junior buyers on process requirements and best practices

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field required, 8 to 12 years of purchasing, procurement or supply chain experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Demonstrated experience managing complex subcontracts and purchase orders with values exceeding $1M

• Proven experience with FAR and DFARS compliant procurement in a government contracting environment

• Experience with ERP systems — Costpoint, SAP, Deltek, or equivalent required

• Demonstrated experience conducting price and cost analysis, and competitive source selection

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a high-tempo, ambiguous, and evolving environment

• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail and follow-through

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Contributes positively to team culture, especially during high-demand periods

• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges

• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results

Core Skills

• Passion for space and the mission

• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset

• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally

• Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster

Core Competencies:

Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability

• Technical Rigor

• Execution Discipline

• Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• This position may require access to export controlled technical data or technology subject to NASA regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In accordance with U.S. export control laws, final candidates may be required to undergo additional export control screening to determine eligibility for access. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment.

• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)

• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)

• Equipment and Machines

• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)