Subcontracts Manager

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally supporting scientific exploration Earth observation and missions to combat climate change national security and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Labs Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials products and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers missions the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron & Neutronrockets manage inventory look after shipping and receiving manage direct and indirect procurement and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together and are critical to our success.

SUBCONTRACTS MANAGER

Based onsite at Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the subcontracts manager will focus on major satellite this role you will perform a variety of supply chain functions including supplier development requirement solicitations contract award post-award management and close-out activities. You will also have the opportunity to work in an energetic collaborative environment that supports one of the fastest growing companies in the satellite industry. You will be a catalyst for effective subcontract execution in alignment with program objectives. We value diverse skills and experience. Your qualifications will add tremendous value to our team. If youre passionate about what you could accomplish in this role wed love to hear from you.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Owner of all Supply Chain Management aspects including cost timing and strategy for major satellite subcomponents. This means being responsible for issuing Request for Quotations negotiating contract proposals and managing the execution of any supplier agreement
• Develop a subcontracting strategy that ensures program demands are met. Manage supplier execution and ensure on-cost on-quality and on-time delivery of critical satellite components
• Monitor engineering design activity and guide supplier selection and performance based on requirements specifications and capabilities
• Address all areas of commodity management including market conditions technology roadmaps cost modeling and sourcing strategies
• Operate as an external representative of Rocket Lab and manage respective supplier relationships. Conduct supplier performance management including scorecards quarterly business reviews and dispute resolution
• Develop and execute mitigation plans to address supplier risks and issues
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers on a first principles basis to achieve best in class cost structures
• Manage internal communications on supply cost and quality with key stakeholders and leadership.
• Work in a cross functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrate ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company-wide goals

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years of experience in supply chain management or commodity management and a Bachelors degree or equivalent years of experience (9 years of work experience)
• Excellent negotiator with experience in written contractual vehicles (Cost Plus Firm Fixed Price etc.)
• Experience working with technical requirements of procured hardware and services including contract Statement of Work (SOW) and/or specification review

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• MBA or Technical masters degree
• Experience in aerospace automotive manufacturing or highly technical field
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment with constantly shifting priorities or deliverables
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to executive level audiences
• Team oriented strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines
• Current DoD Top Secret/SCI security clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit use hands and fingers operate computer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click hereITAR Regulations.