Buyer I

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Supply Chain professional to manage the flow of materials for launch vehicle and satellite programs. You will source and procure raw materials, ensuring on-time delivery and maintaining relationships with suppliers.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business Management and proven experience in sourcing and negotiation within the aerospace or manufacturing industries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required.
• Proven ability to negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Ability to travel 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Source materials and evaluate vendor capability.
• Ensure on-time delivery of materials.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers.

Skills

Sourcing materials

Negotiation skills

Purchasing knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

Role Overview

The Supply Chain team is responsible for managing the flow of all materials, products, and components used in Rocket Lab’s launch vehicle and satellite programs. This role supports engineering and production teams by sourcing and procuring raw materials for rocket and satellite manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Source materials, evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs, and performance.
• Ensure on‑time delivery of materials to Rocket Lab.
• Build and maintain business relationships with assigned suppliers.
• Manage the RFQ process to secure competitive bids and achieve best pricing.
• Act as primary point of contact for R&D order status and coordinate with Engineering teams.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or related field.
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or equivalent role.
• Proficiency in MRP systems.
• Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries.
• Experience working in a rapid growth environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience with AS9100 and U.S. export controls.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Team oriented, capable of multi‑tasking and meeting multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Additional Requirements

• Vision: close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception, and focus ability.
• Frequent use of hands, fingers, computer keyboard, and controls.
• Physical ability to commute to company buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.

Eligibility Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible for required authorizations. This requirement applies to all U.S. office positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.