Buyer I/II - Indirect Purchasing

$60,000 - $92,000/Yr

Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Long Beach, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Buyer I/II - Indirect Purchasing role at Rocket Lab is crucial for managing the procurement of materials and services necessary for the company's operations. Buyers are responsible for placing purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of materials, and maintaining relationships with suppliers. This position supports engineering and production efforts by securing the necessary consumables, tools, and services, directly impacting the success of Rocket Lab's launch vehicles and satellite systems.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or other relevant fields
• 0+ years of related experience as Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or equivalent for Buyer I
• 2+ years of related experience as Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or equivalent for Buyer II
• 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

Nice-to-haves

• 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

Benefits

• 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
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts