Buyer/Senior Buyer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SUPPLY CHAIN

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.

BUYER/SENIOR BUYER

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Accountable for converting purchase requisitions into purchase orders after appropriately evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs, and vendor performance. 
• Accountable for the on-time-delivery of purchased parts from vendors. 
• Responsible for managing the RFQ process to secure competitive bids and ensure we are achieving best price for goods and services.
• Assist in determining demand, supply, and fulfilment planning within the MRP system.
• Responsible for ensuring Bill of Materials, parts, and master data, are maintained within ERP
• Accountable for timely release of purchase planning messages to the Procurement Team.
• Responsible for updating demand to accommodate Engineering Change Orders, and communicating changes to Procurement.
• Integrate with Engineering teams to meet procurement requirements and act as primary point of contact for order status communication.
• Provide status to material planners on latest status of 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 the ERP system. 
• Assist in maintaining business relationships with assigned suppliers. 
• Additional duties as reasonably required. 

This requisition can be filled at a Buyer or Senior Buyer level. 

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A BUYER:  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain or other relevant fields.
• 0+ years of related experience as Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or similar. 
• 0+ years of experience in purchasing complex custom machines components
• Experience sourcing complex machined parts and onboarding vendors
• Experience interpreting schematics and drawings and the ability to communicate effectively with suppliers.
• Experience with the subtractive manufacturing process and the types of equipment required to manufacture different part characteristics
• Knowledge of purchasing processes. 
• Proficient in MS Office, ERP systems, math and statistics
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of time 
• Capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SENIOR BUYER  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain or other relevant fields. 
• 5+ years of related experience as Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or similar. 
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing complex custom machines components
• Experience sourcing complex machined parts and onboarding vendors
• Experience interpreting schematics and drawings and the ability to communicate effectively with suppliers.
• Experience with the subtractive manufacturing process and the types of equipment required to manufacture different part characteristics
• Knowledge of purchasing processes. 
• Proficient in M