Buyer II

Who We Are:

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominate transportation mode - horse drawn chariots, ocean going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world.  We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth. 

Job Overview: We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer/Planner to join our engineering team. This role will be responsible for managing the purchasing and planning processes for all engineering-related materials, parts, and equipment that require more than just a standard online purchase. The Buyer/Planner will work closely with engineers to understand project needs, source and evaluate quotes from suppliers, ensure timely delivery, and oversee the shipping and receiving of materials. Additionally, this role will involve forecasting upcoming procurement needs to ensure the engineering team is always equipped with the right materials at the right time.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement Support:

• Collaborate with engineers to understand specific material, part, or equipment needs that go beyond basic purchasing.
• Obtain and evaluate quotes from vendors, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate the ordering process, ensuring that all necessary documentation and approvals are in place.
• Handle special purchasing needs, including non-standard items or custom components.

Logistics & Tracking:

• Oversee the shipping and receiving process to ensure materials arrive on time and in good condition.
• Track purchase orders and shipments and proactively resolve any delays or issues with suppliers or logistics.
• Maintain accurate records of all orders, deliveries, and inventory updates.

Forecasting & Planning:

• Work with engineering teams to understand upcoming projects and predict future procurement needs.
• Maintain an organized forecasting system to ensure materials and supplies are ordered ahead of time to avoid delays in projects.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained and identify opportunities for cost savings.

Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. Negotiate pricing, lead times, and payment terms to secure favorable agreements for the company.
• Continuously evaluate supplier performance to ensure high standards of service, quality, and delivery.
• Compliance & Documentation:
• Ensure all purchases meet company policies, industry regulations, and safety standards.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all procurement activities for reporting and auditing purposes.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience as a Buyer/Planner, Supply Chain Coordinator, or similar role, preferably in an engineering or technical environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, logistics, and inventory management.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with engineers and vendors.
• Proficiency in procurement and inventory management software, with a solid understanding of MS Office tools (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Experience with cost negotiations, vendor management, and project planning is highly desirable.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• Start-up experience or experience in quick-growth companies.
• Familiarity with forecasting tools or software.
• Ability to analyze data and trends to improve procurement strategies.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $70,000- $85,000.  Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.