Rocket Lab

Senior Buyer I

Rocket Lab$88K — $110K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of relevant experience or equivalent (9+ years total)
  • Ability to source, onboard, and negotiate with suppliers
  • Familiarity with purchasing processes
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities

  • Source materials by evaluating vendor capabilities and performance
  • Ensure timely delivery of materials to Rocket Lab
  • Manage supplier relationships for assigned accounts
  • Oversee the RFQ process for competitive bids
  • Collaborate with Engineering teams on procurement needs
  • Update material planners on order statuses and delivery timelines
  • Negotiate supplier terms to enhance quality and reduce costs
  • Maintain accurate purchase order data in ERP systems

Benefits

  • Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation plus 5 sick days a year
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
  • Paid parental leave and disability insurance
  • Company equity and 401(k) matching
  • Discounted employee stock purchase program and onsite amenities
Full Job Description
SENIOR BUYER I

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Buyer's are responsible for placing all purchase orders for Rocket Lab. They 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.

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:
  • 5+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years total experience).
  • 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

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$88,000-$110,000 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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