Buyer

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Equity

Paid time off

Onsite meals

401(k)

Job summary

Vast is hiring a Buyer to support the development of systems for artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations. This full-time role in Long Beach, CA reports to the Director of Supply Chain and involves end-to-end sourcing across commodities, supplier assessments, and contract strategies.

The role emphasizes building a robust supply base, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and maintaining procurement docs in ERP systems. Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• 2–4+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting supplier selection and RFQ/RFP cycles, negotiations, and PO placement.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end sourcing activities for assigned commodities/categories from demand to PO placement.
• Conduct market research to identify suppliers and support RFQ/RFP execution.
• Interpret drawings, CAD models, and specs to ensure supplier capabilities.
• Develop and optimize the supply base to meet long-term needs.
• Lead source selection, negotiations, and contracting strategies.
• Maintain sourcing docs including RFQs/RFPs, bids, supplier records, and POs in ERP.

Skills

Sourcing

Procurement

Supply chain

RFQ/RFP processes

PO placement

Negotiations

ERP systems

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Tools

SAP

Oracle NetSuite

Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Buyer, reporting to theDirector of Supply Chain, to support the development of the systems required to design and build artificial-gravity, human-rated space stations. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach, CA.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end sourcing activities for assigned commodities/categories, from demand identification through supplier selection and purchase order placement
• Conduct ongoing market research to identify potential suppliers/subcontractors, assess capabilities, and support RFQ/RFP execution
• Experience sourcing tight-tolerance, low-volume/high-mix, prototype, development, or production hardware
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to ensure suppliers have the necessary capabilities
• Develop the supply base, optimize the supply base to meet long-term program needs.
• Lead source selection, negotiations, and contracting strategies aligned to program, customer, product, and in-service needs
• Own/maintain sourcing documentation, including RFQs/RFPs, bid analyses, supplier records, and purchase orders in ERP systems
• Track supply and demand signals and coordinate with planning/program teams to support schedule alignment and on-time delivery
• Partner with quality, engineering, manufacturing, finance, legal/contracts, and program management to support supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost)
• Support supplier performance management and continuous improvement efforts (QCD), including corrective actions and recovery plans as needed
• Identify cost and lead time opportunities through basic cost analysis, pricing reviews, and value-focused sourcing recommendations

Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities, high accountability, and cross-functional collaboration across all levels

Minimum Qualifications (Level I)

• 0–2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or a related role (internships/co-ops acceptable)
• Basic understanding of procurement processes (RFQ, PO lifecycle, supplier communication, lead times, Incoterms a plus)

Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and attention to detail

Minimum Qualifications (Level II)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 2–4+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing operations
• Experience supporting supplier selection and RFQ/RFP cycles, negotiations, and PO placement

Exposure to manufacturing and/or aerospace supply chains strongly preferred

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience creating/updating RFPs/RFQs, purchase orders (POs), and work orders within an ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)
• Ability to analyze quotes and build basic cost/price comparisons; familiarity with BOMs
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities with ambiguous inputs and shifting timelines
• Strong organizational skills and ability to make sound decisions with limited information
• Team-oriented and able to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, ops, planning, contracts/legal, and finance

Comfortable working in a high-intensity environment supporting critical mission milestones

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 20%
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: California

$73,964 - $105,051 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.