Senior Buyer - Harnessing & Interconnect

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in space systems is seeking a Global Supply Manager to join their dynamic team in Long Beach. This role is pivotal in sourcing materials and managing supplier relationships for innovative rocket and satellite programs. You'll be responsible for ensuring timely delivery and quality compliance, working closely with engineering teams to meet procurement needs. If you're passionate about space exploration and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is your chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology and human achievement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management or related field.
• Proven ability to source and negotiate with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchase orders and vendor relationships for materials.
• Ensure on-time delivery and quality of materials for projects.

Skills

Vendor negotiation

Supply chain management

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

Global Supply Manager - Harnessing & Interconnect

Long Beach, California, United States

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.

GLOBAL SUPPLY MANAGER - HARNESSING & INTERCONNECT

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Global Supply Managers are responsible for placing all purchase orders for Rocket Lab. They support engineering R&D through production ramp, securing supply of the thousands of parts we use to build launch vehicles, satellite systems, and their components. Supply Managers make daily decisions that are responsible for ensuring we meet our cost, quality, and delivery goals. This particular role will support all harnessing and cable assembly contract manufacturers for Rocket Lab's Neutron & Space Systems programs. The scope will cover but not be limited to wire & cable, connectors, interconnect components, and harnessing contract manufacturers.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• 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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years total experience).
• 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.