Buyer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations. 

Who We Are: 

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo,  we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on.  Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

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 directly with engineers and suppliers to source technically complex components, manage purchasing activities, and ensure critical hardware arrives on schedule in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Procurement & Purchasing: Purchase aerospace components, raw materials, machined parts, electronics, electromechanical assemblies, and engineering services.
• Purchase Order Management: Create and manage purchase orders, track delivery schedules, and expedite critical materials to support engineering and manufacturing milestones.
• Supplier Sourcing: Issue RFQs, evaluate proposals, negotiate pricing and lead times, and identify alternate suppliers when technical or schedule risks arise.
• Engineering Support: Partner with engineering teams to understand technical requirements, source prototype and production hardware, and support ECOs and design revisions.
• Supplier Management: Develop supplier relationships, onboard new vendors, and monitor performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
• Issue Resolution: Work with suppliers and internal teams to resolve delivery, quality, pricing, and documentation issues.
• Material Coordination: Coordinate with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to maintain material availability, support receiving, and ensure accurate inventory and ERP transactions.
• Process Improvement: Improve purchasing workflows, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement procurement and supplier-development best practices without compromising quality or schedule.

What It Takes: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or another high-technology industry.
• Experience purchasing technical or engineered components and supporting prototype or production programs.
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, or a similar platform.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers, purchase orders, and shifting priorities in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Strong negotiation, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to collaborate directly with engineering and manufacturing team

What We'd Love: 

• Aerospace, spacecraft, or defense manufacturing experience.
• Experience purchasing machined components, electronics, composites, or electromechanical assemblies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements.
• Experience supporting prototype and low-volume manufacturing.
• 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.