Buyer, Engineering

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

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.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or other relevant fields
• 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

• Related experience as Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or equivalent
• 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

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral…