Subcontracts Manager

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Robust benefits package

3 weeks paid vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Disability and life insurance

401(k) with company match

Onsite amenities

Job summary

Rocketlab in Long Beach, CA is looking for a Subcontracts Manager to oversee sourcing and procurement for major satellite components. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure the timely delivery of critical parts.

The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience in supply chain or commodity management, excellent negotiation skills, and a background in technical requirements for hardware procurement. Rocketlab offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in supply chain management or commodity management.
• Excellent negotiation experience with various contractual vehicles.
• Experience with technical requirements of procured hardware.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing and procurement for satellite subcomponents.
• Develop strategies for subcontracting to mitigate supply risks.
• Negotiate supplier pricing to ensure best cost structures.

Skills

Supply chain management

Negotiation skills

Technical requirements understanding

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

MBA or technical master’s degree

Tools

Cost Plus and Firm Fixed Price contracts

APICS certification

Job description

SUBCONTRACTS MANAGER

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Subcontracts Manager will focus on major satellite programs. In this role, you will perform a variety of supply chain functions, including supplier development, requirement solicitations, contract award, and post-award management.

You will also have the opportunity to work in an energetic, collaborative environment that supports one of the fastest growing companies in the satellite industry. You will be a catalyst for effective subcontract execution in alignment with program objectives.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Owner of all sourcing and procurement aspects including strategy, cost and schedule for major satellite subcomponents. This includes issuing RFQs/RFPs, negotiating contract proposals, and managing the execution of supplier agreements.
• Develop sourcing and subcontracting strategies that meet program requirements while mitigating supply risks. Manage global supply chain execution and ensure on‑cost, on‑quality, and on‑time delivery of critical satellite components.
• Monitor engineering design activity and guide supplier selection and performance based on requirements, specifications, and capabilities.
• Address all areas of commodity management including market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies.
• Operate as an external representative of Rocket Lab and manage supplier relationships. Conduct supplier performance management including scorecards, quarterly business reviews and dispute resolution.
• Develop and execute mitigation plans to address supplier risks and issues.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers on a first principles basis to achieve best in class cost structures.
• Manage internal communications on supply, cost, and quality with key stakeholders and leadership.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities to continuously drive value for the business.
• Work in a cross‑functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrate ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company‑wide goals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of experience in supply chain management or commodity management and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience (12+ years of work experience).
• Excellent negotiator with experience in written contractual vehicles (Cost Plus, Firm Fixed Price, etc.).
• Experience working with technical requirements of procured hardware and services, including contractual flow downs, statement of work (SOW), and/or technical specification review.

NICE‑TO‑HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

• MBA or technical master’s degree.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, or a highly technical field.
• Experience in a rapid growth environment with constantly shifting priorities or deliverables.
• Exceptional organizational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.
• Highly self‑motivated, able to learn quickly and maintain the highest levels of quality and integrity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to an executive level audience.
• Team oriented, strong ability to multi‑task and work in a fast‑paced environment and to multiple deadlines.
• APICS certification.
• Current DoD Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

SAFETY AND WORK REQUIREMENTS

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.

BASE PAY RANGE (CA ONLY)

$108,000 – $160,000 USD

BENEFITS

• Company equity.
• Robust benefits package including top tier medical HMO, PPO, 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 and life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

EEO STATEMENT

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.