Sourcing Specialist II

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Onsite gym

EV charging

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a motivated Sourcing Specialist II who will place all purchase orders and secure materials to support our Electron rocket and satellite programs. You will work onsite at our Long Beach headquarters, partnering with engineering to meet procurement needs and ensuring timely delivery of parts and services.

The role requires 2+ years of sourcing experience, ability to negotiate favorable terms, and travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with a bachelors degree or equivalent (6+ years total experience).
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Knowledge of purchasing processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of time.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Sourcing

Negotiation

Purchasing processes

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

SOURCING SPECIALIST II

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Sourcing Specialists 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. Buyers make daily decisions that are responsible for ensuring we meet our cost, quality, and delivery goals.

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:

• 2+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (6+ 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

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including:

• top tier medical HMO
• PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
• dental and vision coverage
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
• paid parental leave
• disability insurance
• life insurance
• access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Other perks include:

• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• subsidized EV charging stations
• onsite gym
• food and drinks
• other discounts

Eligibility for benefits may vary ba