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Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. As a Buyer, you will be responsible for securing the supply chain that powers every launch vehicle, satellite, and system the company creates, from R&D through production ramp. Your decisions directly impact cost, quality, and delivery timelines for critical aerospace hardware.
Key Responsibilities:
- Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders by evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery, and performance
- Ensure on-time delivery of purchased parts from vendors to Rocket Lab
- Own and manage business relationships with assigned suppliers
- Run the RFQ (Request for Quote) process to secure competitive bids and achieve best pricing
- Partner closely with Engineering teams and act as the primary contact for R&D order status
- Keep material planners updated on purchase order status and expected delivery dates
- Negotiate terms with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements
- Maintain accurate purchase order data in the ERP system
- Follow all health and safety policies, wear correct PPE, and report near misses and incidents promptly
You will work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where every part and every order matters. The role requires close collaboration with engineering and supply chain teams, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.
Qualifications:
- Comfortable working in a support role with guidance as you grow into the position
- Proven ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing with suppliers
- Solid knowledge of purchasing processes
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with effective prioritisation
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Team-oriented, able to multi-task and work to multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Willing to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time
Nice-to-Have Qualifications:
- Degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or a related field
- Experience with MRP/ERP systems
- Background in aerospace, EV automotive, or other high-growth manufacturing
- Ability to read engineering drawings
- Familiarity with AS9100 and ITAR/EAR regulations
Note: For this New Zealand-based role, background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers. Due to ITAR regulations, you must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. You may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.
