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Salary: USD 72,000 - 90,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Supply Chain team manages the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business, directly impacting the success of rocket and satellite programs.
As a Sourcing Specialist II - Wire Harness, you will be based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, and will be responsible for placing all purchase orders for Rocket Lab. You will support engineering R&D through production ramp, securing supply of the thousands of parts used to build launch vehicles, satellite systems, and their components. Your daily decisions directly impact the company's ability to meet cost, quality, and delivery goals.
Key responsibilities include:
- Sourcing materials after evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs, and vendor performance
- Ensuring on-time delivery of material to Rocket Lab
- Owning business relationships with assigned suppliers
- Managing the RFQ process to secure competitive bids and achieve best pricing
- Integrating tightly with Engineering teams to meet procurement requirements and serving as primary point of contact for R&D order status
- Providing status updates to material planners on purchase orders and expected delivery dates
- Negotiating terms with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements
- Maintaining purchase order data within the ERP system
Rocket Lab values hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and grit. The company thrives under pressure, works to tight deadlines, and maintains a focus on delivery. Employees are expected to out-think, out-work, and out-pace competitors, with a culture of checking egos at the door and rolling up sleeves on all tasks.
Note: This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Travel up to 10% domestically and internationally is required. ITAR compliance is required; candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- 2+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree, OR 6+ years total work 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
Desired:
- Proficiency in MRP systems
- Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries
- Prior experience in rapid growth environments
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Experience with AS9100 and US export controls
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to prioritize effectively
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
- Team-oriented with ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced environment to multiple deadlines
