Procurement Specialist - Electronics

MDA Space; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Disability income protection

Life insurance

Pension plan

Employee assistance program

Job summary

MDA Space, located in the United Kingdom, is seeking a Buyer to join our team in locations such as Harwell, Manchester or Stevenage. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of procurement experience, especially in the Space and Defense sectors. Responsibilities include sourcing electronic components, engaging with engineering teams, and ensuring compliance with necessary standards. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and a hybrid work model to support work/life balance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in procurement/buying preferably in the Space and Defense industries.
• Proven ability to carry out all required tasks from RFI through to component delivery.
• Good negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and procure electronic components in support of production.
• Interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Ensure standards and processes followed in the procurement process.
• Contribute to development of new business opportunities.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Understanding of electronic component lifecycles

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Adaptability in an agile environment

Tools

ERP systems such as Infor LN, SAP, Oracle, IFS

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure.

The global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one‑of‑a‑kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide‑eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one.

For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space.

MDA Space’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European‑based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space‑based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

We’re on the hunt for a Buyer to work from one of our UK locations in Harwell, Manchester or Stevenage.

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and procure EEE electronic components (e.g. PCBs, semiconductors, connectors, resistors, harnesses, sensors, control boards) in support of production and engineering builds. (EM and FM)
• Interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and specifications, engaging with engineering teams to clarify requirements and identify approved alternatives or equivalents (where obsolescence or lead‑time issues arise).
• Ensure suitable standards, processes and controls are followed across all phases of the procurement process from initial RFI through RFP, negotiation, order placement and delivery follow up and tracking.
• Contribute to the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities in the space community.
• Identify and qualify and on board new suppliers, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and UK MOD / ITAR export control requirements.
• Maintain ERP / MRP system data accuracy (prices, lead times, MOQ, supplier sourcing parameters).
• Work closely with Engineering, Projects, and Quality teams to resolve component obsolescence, technical queries, and specification changes.
• Preparation of proposals, proposal work statements and specifications and operating budget.
• Influence and carry out PO negotiations and amendment.
• Remain calm, focused and goal‑oriented in a fast moving and dynamic environment.

Qualifications, Experience And Competencies

• 2+ years of experience in procurement/buying preferably in the Space and Defense industries.
• Proven ability to carry out all of the required tasks from RFI through to component delivery.
• Sound understanding of electronic component lifecycles, obsolescence, and equivalents (e.g. via Octopart, SiliconExpert, IHS Markit).
• Orientated towards ensuring the best value for money can be achieved.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Track record of working across multiple projects and technology bases whilst working with suppliers globally.
• Confident in engaging with vendors and making timely decisions.
• Be able to understand and analyse key procurement requirements technically and commercially.
• Experience using ERP systems such as Infor LN, SAP, Oracle, or IFS.
• Excellent negotiation skills, administration and organisational skills.
• Understanding of export and shipping regulations.
• Awareness of ISO 9001, AS9100, etc. quality systems.
• Willingness to learn but also educate others.
• Experience of working with ESA/ECSS, NASA and MIL‑STD processes and projects would be beneficial.

Core Competencies

• Problem solving.
• Self‑starter.
• Customer satisfaction focused.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability and flexibility in an agile environment.
• Use of business systems (MRP/ERP).
• Proficient in collaborative working methods both physically and with remote teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with customers, management, and peers.

Comments/Special Considerations

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status.
• Identity: Full ID check.
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure.
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity.
• Reference checks.

Benefits Statement

MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan, and an employee assistance program. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.