Senior Buyer, Machining

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite , a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo. Headquartered in Long Beach, California , and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy. Vast is looking for a Sr. Buyer, Machining , reporting to the Director of Supply Chain , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. Responsibilities Develop category specific strategies for the machining supply base to deliver high quality and low cost solutions for Vast Engineering and Manufacturing Customers Strong understanding of machining processes, including CNC milling, CNC turning, multi-axis machining, complex assemblies, special processes, and inspection requirements Experience sourcing tight-tolerance, low-volume/high-mix, prototype, development, or production machined hardware Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to ensure suppliers have the necessary capabilities. End-to-End Commodity Management: Manage assigned commodities from demand to contract fulfillment. Strategic & Tactical Execution: Apply sourcing and supplier management expertise across all organizational levels. Supply Base Development: Optimize the supply base to meet long-term program needs. Cost and Risk Reduction Strategy: Develop strategies to reduce total cost, lead time, and supply chain risk. Supplier Research & Negotiation: Conduct market research, assess suppliers, issue RFQs/RFPs, and lead contract negotiations. Integrated Sourcing Strategy: Align sourcing with program, customer, product lifecycle, and in-service support strategies. Supplier Performance Management: Oversee supply/demand planning, schedule adherence, quality, on-time delivery, and cost for suppliers. Supplier Development & Improvement: Lead supplier improvement initiatives and integrate results into strategies. Value Engineering & Cost Analysis: Drive value engineering, BOM cost breakdowns, and should-cost analysis. Seek alternate and innovative ideas to provide business solutions, challenge requirements and specifications to create competitive advantage Minimum Qualifications 5 years in a Procurement role, 3 years in aerospace industry and/or manufacturing Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Engineering or Business-related field Preferred Skills & Experience Ability to create and update request for proposals (RFPs), purchase orders (POs) and facilities work orders in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software Ability to work effectively in a team environment Ability to make independent judgments with limited information Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projec…

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