Buyer

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end sourcing activities for assigned commodities/categories, from demand identification through supplier selection and purchase order placement
• Conduct ongoing market research to identify potential suppliers/subcontractors, assess capabilities, and support RFQ/RFP execution
• Experience sourcing tight-tolerance, low-volume/high-mix, prototype, development, or production hardware
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to ensure suppliers have the necessary capabilities
• Develop the supply base, optimize the supply base to meet long-term program needs.
• Lead source selection, negotiations, and contracting strategies aligned to program, customer, product, and in-service needs
• Own/maintain sourcing documentation, including RFQs/RFPs, bid analyses, supplier records, and purchase orders in ERP systems
• Track supply and demand signals and coordinate with planning/program teams to support schedule alignment and on-time delivery
• Partner with quality, engineering, manufacturing, finance, legal/contracts, and program management to support supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost)
• Support supplier performance management and continuous improvement efforts (QCD), including corrective actions and recovery plans as needed
• Identify cost and lead time opportunities through basic cost analysis, pricing reviews, and value-focused sourcing recommendations

Additional information

Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities, high accountability, and cross-functional collaboration across all levels

Minimum Qualifications (Level I)

• 0-2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or a related role (internships/co-ops acceptable)
• Basic understanding of procurement processes (RFQ, PO lifecycle, supplier communication, lead times, Incoterms a plus)

Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and attention to detail

Minimum Qualifications (Level II)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 2-4+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing operations
• Experience supporting supplier selection and RFQ/RFP cycles, negotiations, and PO placement

Exposure to manufacturing and/or aerospace supply chains strongly preferred

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience creating/updating RFPs/RFQs, purchase orders (POs), and work orders within an ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)
• Ability to analyze quotes and build basic cost/price comparisons; familiarity with BOMs
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities with ambiguous inputs and shifting timelines
• Strong organizational skills and ability to make sound decisions with limited information
• Team-oriented and able to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, ops, planning, contracts/legal, and finance

Comfortable working in a high-intensity environment supporting critical mission milestones

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 20%
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range

California $73,964—$105,051 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

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.

U.s. Export Control Compliance Status

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.