Job Description
About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SUPPLY CHAIN Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together and are critical to our success. FULFILLMENT PLANNER I Based on site at our Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Fulfillment Planner plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of materials for production, focusing on tactical execution rather than strategic sourcing. This role requires strong organizational, technical, and communication skills to manage purchase orders, purchase schedules, and supplier relationships while ensuring alignment with production needs and company goals. It is ideal for individuals with experience in material planning and procurement in fast-paced manufacturing environments. What You’ll Get To Do Create, Modify and Manage purchase orders and purchase schedules for production products, ensuring accuracy and alignment with production needs. Maintain purchase order and purchase schedule data within ERP systems. Ensure order acknowledgments are received directly from suppliers or via supplier portals. Monitor and ensure on-time delivery of purchased items, escalating delays or issues to the Strategic Sourcing and Quality teams. Ensure purchased items are to the latest revision and meet engineering and quality requirements. Manage obsolete and end-of-life products to prevent unusable inventory. Maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure smooth communication and collaboration. Escalate cost or quality concerns to the Strategic Sourcing and Quality teams for resolution. Ensure demand, supply, and fulfillment planning aligns with production schedules. Update demand to accommodate engineering change orders and communicate changes to suppliers. Provide visibility into material positions using tools such as material shortage reports, clear-to-build reports, and line of balance reports. Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment with company-wide goals. Communicate material status and updates to relevant stakeholders. Maintain accurate bill of materials (BOM), parts, and master data within ERP systems. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to procurement and material planning. You'll Bring These Qualifications 2+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent years of work experience (6+ years total work experience). Proficiency in ERP and MRP systems for managing purchase orders, purchase schedules, and material planning. Proven knowledge of material planning fundamentals, including master data management, BOM management, and planning release and fulfillment. Ability to produce material line of balance reports and conduct clear-to-build reviews. Proficiency in MS Office, math, and statistics for data analysis and reporting. These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or other relevant fields. 5+ years of related experience as a Material Planner, Buyer, or equivalent role.