Buyer – Raw Materials Procurement

About the role

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is looking for a Buyer I to manage raw‑material purchases for its launch vehicle and satellite programs. Based onsite at the Long Beach headquarters, you will work closely with engineering R&D to secure the thousands of parts needed for rockets, satellites, and related components.

Key responsibilities

• Source and evaluate vendors for aluminum, composites, 3D‑printed materials and other raw materials.
• Ensure on‑time delivery of materials to meet cost, quality and schedule targets.
• Own the business relationship with assigned suppliers.
• Manage the RFQ process to obtain competitive bids and achieve best pricing.
• Collaborate tightly with engineering teams to fulfill procurement requirements and act as the primary point of contact for R&D order status.
• Provide purchase‑order status and expected delivery dates to material planners.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers.

Required profile

• Experience supporting engineering or R&D procurement activities.
• Ability to evaluate vendor capability, price, and delivery performance.
• Strong decision‑making skills to meet cost, quality and delivery goals.

Required skills