Buyer
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
Who We Are:
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy.
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building first-of-their-kind aerospace systems, requiring urgency, ownership, and a commitment to solving challenging technical problems.
What You'll Do:
As a Buyer, you will support engineering and manufacturing by procuring the materials, components, and services required to rapidly develop and build next-generation aerospace hardware. You will work closely with engineers to source technically complex components, manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and lead times, and ensure critical hardware arrives on schedule.
Success in this role requires excellent communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced engineering environment where priorities can change quickly.
Responsibilities:
Procurement & Purchasing
Purchase aerospace components, raw materials, machined parts, electronics, and engineering services
Create and manage purchase orders while ensuring timely delivery
Request quotations (RFQs), evaluate supplier proposals, and negotiate pricing and lead times
Expedite critical materials to support engineering and manufacturing schedules
Resolve supplier delivery and quality issues
Engineering Support
Work directly with engineering teams to understand technical purchasing requirements
Source prototype and production hardware for development programs
Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and design revisions affecting purchased parts
Identify alternate suppliers when schedule or technical risks arise
Supplier Management
Develop and maintain relationships with domestic and international suppliers
Evaluate supplier performance regarding quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost
Support onboarding of new suppliers
Maintain accurate supplier information and procurement records
Inventory & Material Coordination
Coordinate with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to ensure material availability
Monitor inventory levels of critical engineering components
Support receiving and verification of purchased materials
Assist with inventory accuracy and ERP transactions
Continuous Improvement
Help improve purchasing processes and procurement workflows
Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or schedule
Support implementation of procurement best practices and supplier development initiatives
What It Takes:
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or high-technology industries
Experience purchasing technical or engineered components
Ability to read engineering drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs) is preferred
Experience with ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills
Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment
U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident
What We'd Love:
Aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing experience
Experience purchasing machined components, electronics, composites, or electromechanical assemblies
Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements
Experience supporting prototype and low-volume manufacturing
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience working directly with engineering teams
Passion for the commercial and national security space industry
Where You'll Be:
The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo.
What We Offer:
Equity-Based Compensation
Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
ITAR Requirements:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required U.S. Government authorizations.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. The annual base salary for this role is below. 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/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
Pay Range $90,000 — $105,000 USD