What you'll bring: Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field and 2+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, or 6+ years of relevant procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in lieu of a degree. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, and finance teams to align procurement activities with project timelines and budgetary constraints.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Hawthorne, California
Salary
$105,000–$136,000 Per Year
Description
Description
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
As a Buyer at Astrolab, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, components, and services needed to support our engineering and operations teams. This role is crucial in maintaining the supply chain for our lunar rovers, balancing cost, quality, and delivery timelines to meet our project needs. You will collaborate closely with suppliers, internal teams, and strategic partners to ensure that Astrolab’s success. You will report to the Director of Procurement & Supply Chain.
What you'll do:
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Management: Source and purchase materials, components, and services, ensuring timely delivery for production and R&D projects
Supplier Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms for pricing, delivery, and quality
Inventory Control: Collaborate with operations and inventory management teams to ensure optimal stock levels and avoid disruptions in production
Cost Optimization: Analyze market trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality
Contract Negotiation: Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers, ensuring compliance with Astrolab’s purchasing policies and industry standards
Vendor Performance: Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to delivery, quality, or service to maintain smooth procurement operations
Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, and finance teams to align procurement activities with project timelines and budgetary constraints
Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all purchases comply with company policies and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate records of purchases and contracts
What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field and 2+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, or 6+ years of relevant procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in lieu of a degree
Experience sourcing suppliers and negotiating contracts
Experience with management of supplier relationships
Experience managing multiple procurement projects while using procurement software and Microsoft Excel
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with direct procurement in the aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries
Experience implementing or improving procurement processes, including ERP, MRP, or inventory management systems
Experience supporting supplier performance, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives
Experience analyzing procurement data to support sourcing decisions and operational efficiency
Knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract administration
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Additional Responsibilities
Availability for periodic offsite field visits and associated travel
Benefits and Perks
Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks