Senior Fulfillment Planner

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 to 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 rocket has 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 Lab’s 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 rockets, 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.   

SENIOR FULFILLMENT PLANNER I

Based on site at our Rocket Lab Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Fulfillment Planner plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of materials for production, focusing on tactical execution rather than strategic sourcing. This role requires strong organizational, technical, and communication skills to manage purchase orders, purchase schedules, and supplier relationships while ensuring alignment with production needs and company goals. It is ideal for individuals with experience in material planning and procurement in fast-paced manufacturing environments.    

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Create, Modify and Manage purchase orders and purchase schedules for production products, ensuring accuracy and alignment with production needs.  
• Maintain purchase order and purchase schedule data within ERP systems.  
• Ensure order acknowledgments are received directly from suppliers or via supplier portals.  
• Monitor and ensure on-time delivery of purchased items, escalating delays or issues to the Strategic Sourcing and Quality teams.  
• Ensure purchased items are to the latest revision and meet engineering and quality requirements.  
• Manage obsolete and end-of-life products to prevent unusable inventory.  
• Maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.  
• Escalate cost or quality concerns to the Strategic Sourcing and Quality teams for resolution.  
• Ensure demand, supply, and fulfillment planning aligns with production schedules.  
• Update demand to accommodate engineering change orders and communicate changes to suppliers.  
• Provide visibility into material positions using tools such as material shortage reports, clear-to-build reports, and line of balance reports.  
• Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment with company-wide goals.  
• Communicate material status and updates to relevant stakeholders.  
• Maintain accurate bill of materials (BOM), parts, and master data within ERP systems.  
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to procurement and material planning.  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years total work experience). 
• Proficiency in ERP and MRP systems for managing purchase orders, purchase schedules, and material planning.  
• Proven knowledge of material planning fundamentals, including master data management, BOM management, and planning release and fulfillment. 
• Ability to produce material line of balance reports and conduct clear-to-build reviews.  
• Proficiency in MS Office, math, and statistics for data analysis and reporting.  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or other relevant fields.  
• 8+ years of related experience as a Material Planner, Buyer, or equivalent role.  
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.  
• Team-oriented, with the ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.  
• Prior experience in aerospace, EV automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries.  
• Familiarity with AS9100 standards and US export controls (ITAR and EAR).  
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.  
• Experience in managing obsolete and end-of-life products. 

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.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$95,000—$115,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 here ITAR Regulations.