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 projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction
• Ability to balance multiple priorities with ambiguous instructions

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range

• Senior Buyer, Machining: $105,000 - $150,000

Pay Range: California

$105,000—$150,000 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.