Lead, Planning & Fulfillment

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.

About the Role

The Planning and Fulfillment Lead plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient flow of materials to meet production demands and company objectives at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role requires exceptional organizational, technical, and communication skills to manage supply chain processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Planners and/or Coordinators/Expeditors.
• Oversee demand, supply, and fulfillment planning within the MRP system.
• Maintain accurate Bill of Materials (BOM), parts, and master data in the ERP system.
• Update demand to reflect Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and New Product Introductions (NPIs).
• Provide visibility into material positions through tools such as line-of-balance reports, material shortage reports, and clear-to-build reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide goals, demonstrating strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Monitor and ensure on-time delivery of purchased items, escalating delays or issues to Strategic Sourcing and Quality teams as needed.
• Manage obsolete and end-of-life products to minimize unusable inventory.
• Foster positive relationships with suppliers to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.
• Escalate cost or quality concerns to Strategic Sourcing and Quality teams for resolution.
• Align demand, supply, and fulfillment planning with production schedules.
• Communicate material status and updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to procurement and material planning.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years of total experience).
• Proficiency in ERP and MRP systems for material planning and management.
• Strong knowledge of material planning fundamentals, including master data management, BOM management, and planning release and fulfillment processes.
• Experience producing material line-of-balance reports and conducting clear-to-build reviews.
• Proficiency in MS Office, as well as math and statistical analysis for data reporting.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A team-oriented mindset with the ability to multitask and meet multiple deadlines.
• Experience in aerospace, EV automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with AS9100 standards and U.S. export controls (ITAR and EAR).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience managing obsolete and end-of-life products.
• Proficient in SQL.

Work Environment

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay with company stock as part of your total compensation package.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
• Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution).
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays.
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Subsidized EV charging.
• Onsite fitness centers (where available) and discounted gym memberships.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages.
• 50% employee discount on Rocket Lab merchandise.
• Various other employee discounts.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,000—$127,000 USD