Senior Raw Materials Sourcing Specialist - Aerospace

Gavroche Group; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, HDHP

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) with company match

Stock options / company stock

Subsidized perks and discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Sourcing Specialist II - Raw Materials based onsite at our Long Beach, CA headquarters. The role focuses on sourcing metals, composites, and powders for rocket and satellite programs, coordinating supplier onboarding, and driving cost, quality, and delivery excellence across global operations.

You will lead RFQ activities, collaborate with Engineering, and ensure timely material delivery for rapid R&D and scalable production, while leveraging a robust supplier network and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or other relevant fields.
• 2+ years of related experience as Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or equivalent.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive raw material sourcing strategy.
• Lead end-to-end supplier engagement activities.
• Analyze spend, market dynamics, and supplier capabilities.
• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements through supplier consolidation and standardization.
• Own the sourcing process by evaluating vendor capabilities, pricing, delivery, and quality alignment.
• Ensure on-time delivery of critical materials to meet program schedules.
• Manage and strengthen supplier relationships as the primary interface for vendors.
• Lead the RFQ process for competitive bids and best-value procurement.
• Collaborate with Engineering to anticipate and fulfill procurement requirements.
• Provide proactive updates to material planners regarding PO status and timelines.
• Negotiate commercial terms to optimize quality, cost, and delivery.
• Maintain accurate purchase order data in ERP.

Skills

2+ years experience in buying/procure

Supplier negotiations

Purchasing processes

Travel up to 10%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Supply Chain / Business

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Sourcing Specialist II - Raw Materials based onsite at our Long Beach, CA headquarters. The role focuses on sourcing metals, composites, and powders for rocket and satellite programs, coordinating supplier onboarding, and driving cost, quality, and delivery excellence across global operations.

You will lead RFQ activities, collaborate with Engineering, and ensure timely material delivery for rapid R&D and scalable production, while leveraging a robust supplier network and