Job Description

Buyer - All Levels

Department: Supply Chain & Procurement

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Aviva Buller

Compensation: $105,000 - $136,000 / year

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