Senior Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist

Responsibilities

• Own all COTS procurement campaigns end-to-end: demand planning, industry survey, RFQ/RFP, vendor evaluation and down-selection, contract negotiation, purchase order, delivery tracking, incoming inspection coordination
• Own demand and supply planning — translate BOMs and engineering requirements into procurement actions, manage lead times, and ensure material readiness for the vehicle build schedule
• Own multiple commodity categories — COTS spacecraft components, PCBs, PCBAs, raw materials and metals, machined parts, coatings, and test house services
• Procure COTS components across all subsystems — ADCS, comms, power, propulsion, and mechanisms — several with long lead times requiring immediate action
• Drive strategic sourcing — develop and optimize the supply base, negotiate pricing and terms, and build cost reduction strategies for multi-unit buys
• Manage vendor relationships — technical exchanges, schedule updates, delivery commitments, supplier performance tracking
• Own material readiness reporting — Clear-to-Build status, shortage reports, delivery risk tracking, and procurement status dashboards for program leadership
• Respond to engineering changes — update demand forecasts and supply plans when requirements evolve, and communicate impact to vendors and program leadership
• Cook incoming inspection and acceptance testing with receiving engineers
• Manage purchase orders, contracts, and vendor documentation
• Ensure export control / ITAR compliance for all procured items
• Track component obsolescence risks and manage part alternates where needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of procurement or supply chain experience in aerospace or defense
• Aerospace or defense procurement experience — you've bought flight-qualified hardware components
• Demand planning experience — translating BOMs and engineering requirements into procurement timelines and material readiness plans
• Managed long-lead-time procurements (6-12+ months) and know how to drive urgency with vendors
• Experience with RFQ/RFP processes, contract negotiation, vendor evaluation, and down-selection
• ITAR/EAR compliance knowledge for component procurement
• Strong tracking and communication skills — the program depends on you knowing exactly where every PO stands
• Comfortable working with engineers to translate technical requirements into procurement specs

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: California
$131,200 - $186,240 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

EEO Statement

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.