Space Category Specialist – Avionics, Mechatronics & Engineering Services

At D-Orbit we are shaping the future of space logistics and transportation. Founded in 2011 we are a global leader in space logistics services supporting satellite operators and institutions worldwide through innovative in-orbit solutions.

Our success is driven by a strong engineering culture high technical standards and a pragmatic execution-oriented approach. Procurement plays a critical role in enabling our missions from early development phases to production and in-orbit operations.

The Role

We are looking for a Category Specialist to manage procurement activities for a strategic portfolio including Avionics Mechatronics EEE components PCBs / PCBAs R&D activities and Technical Consultancy services.

This is a hands-on role combining end-to-end ownership of assigned procurement categories with a significant operational buying component. In D-Orbits engineering-driven environment the Category Specialist is directly involved in day-to-day purchasing execution including purchase order issuance supplier follow-up expediting and delivery management.

Operational execution represents a core and essential part of the role alongside the progressive development of sourcing strategies supplier relationships and category ownership.

You will work closely with Engineering Program Management Production Quality Finance and Legal reporting to the Head of Procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Procurement & Buying

• Execute and manage purchase orders for avionics mechatronics EEE components PCBs / PCBAs R&D activities and technical consultancy services
• Support sourcing negotiation and contracting of services based on time & material fixed price or milestone-based models
• Ensure timely order placement confirmation expediting and delivery follow-up aligned with program and production needs
• Act as the primary operational interface with suppliers for pricing lead times technical clarifications and delivery commitments
• Manage procurement activities across different sourcing channels including direct suppliers authorized distributors brokers and online procurement platforms
• Proactively manage issues related to delays scope changes non-conformities and supplier performance
• Support engineering and program teams in day-to-day procurement priorities
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement data documentation and traceability within the ERP system

Category & Supplier Ownership

• Contribute to the definition and execution of sourcing and supplier strategies for assigned product and service areas
• Support supplier selection qualification and performance monitoring
• Negotiate commercial conditions and support contracts and framework agreements in collaboration with Legal
• Support make-or-buy analyses and sourcing decisions for development and production activities
• Participate in procurement activities related to engineering changes design evolutions and new program launches
• Perform supply chain risk assessments and contribute to mitigation actions

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement or buying roles within electronics aerospace space or other high-reliability engineering environments
• Proven experience in purchasing EEE components (Electrical Electronic and Electromechanical parts) preferably for aerospace or space applications
• Hands-on experience in procurement of PCBs and PCB assemblies (PCBA) including interaction with manufacturers and EMS suppliers
• Experience in procurement of technical consultancy or engineering services including definition and management of scopes of work and service-based contracts
• Ability to interact with engineering stakeholders to translate technical needs into structured procurement and contractual requirements
• Solid understanding of electronics supply chains including lead times obsolescence and supplier qualification topics
• Proven experience in operational procurement activities including purchase order execution supplier follow-up and expediting
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project-driven environment
• Good negotiation skills and commercial awareness
• Familiarity with structured procurement processes and ERP systems
• Proactive reliable and execution-oriented mindset
• Bachelors degree (or higher) in Engineering (Electronics Aerospace Automation Mechatronics or similar)
• Fluency in Italian and English

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Familiarity with ECSS standards and space-grade procurement requirements
• Experience with radiation-hardened (rad-hard / rad-tolerant) components
• Exposure to procurement activities involving electronic component brokers including risk evaluation traceability and counterfeit mitigation
• Experience in purchasing electronic components through authorized distributors and online procurement platforms / e-commerce channels (e.g. supplier web portals online catalogs spot-buy platforms)
• Experience in procurement of engineering consultancy services

Availability

• Willingness to travel occasionally for national and international business trips

Why Join D-Orbit

• A role with real end-to-end responsibility from sourcing decisions to purchase order execution and delivery
• Direct involvement in mission-critical space hardware and development programs
• Strong interaction with engineering teams and international suppliers
• Opportunity to grow into broader category ownership as the procurement organization evolves
• A collaborative inclusive and innovation-driven work environment

At D-Orbit diversity and inclusion are integral to who we are and how we work. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected valued and empowered to contribute.