Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer I – Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The rockets and satellites we build and launch support scientific exploration, Earth observation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

The Supply Chain team manages the flow of all materials, products, and components through Rocket Lab. We support engineering, R&D, production ramp, and satellite systems, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery goals are met.

• Source materials after evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs, and performance.
• Ensure on-time delivery of materials to Rocket Lab.
• Own business relationships with assigned suppliers.
• Manage the RFQ process to secure competitive bids and achieve best pricing.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to meet procurement requirements and act as primary R&D contact.
• Provide status updates to material planners on purchase orders and delivery dates.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Maintain purchase order data within the ERP system.

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (9+ years total experience).
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Knowledge of purchasing processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of time.

• Proficiency in MRP systems.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries.
• Experience in a rapid growth environment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings.
• Experience with AS9100 and U.S. export controls.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Team oriented, multi‑tasking in a fast‑paced environment.

• Vision: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands/fingers, operate computer, communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, moderate noise.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $90,000 – $110,000 USD.

Rocket Lab offers a robust benefits package that may include medical HMO/PPO, HSA, dental, vision, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending, dependent care, parental leave, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, equity, etc. Eligibility varies by employment status.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All hiring decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, and business needs.