Material Planner II

About the role

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space company dedicated to providing responsive launch services and complete spacecraft design and manufacturing. Our primary goal is to make space accessible for a wide range of missions, including scientific exploration, Earth observation, and commercial applications. The Material Planner II will play a vital role in managing materials, coordinating production schedules, and supporting manufacturing operations to ensure timely delivery of components and assemblies. This position requires close collaboration with engineering, procurement, and production teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, prevent delays, and facilitate smooth workflow across the organization. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment that demands precision and efficiency.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee demand, supply, and fulfillment planning processes using MRP systems to ensure production schedules are met.
• Maintain and update bills of materials (BOM), parts lists, and master data within the ERP system to reflect engineering changes and production needs.
• Generate and release purchase planning messages to the procurement team to secure necessary materials on time.
• Issue work orders to manufacturing departments based on production schedules and material availability.
• Adjust demand forecasts and schedules based on engineering change orders, production updates, and supplier lead times, and communicate these changes effectively to procurement.
• Create and maintain visibility reports on material status, including line of balance reports, material shortage reports, and other key metrics to support decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment on material requirements and delivery timelines.
• Support inventory management by monitoring stock levels, identifying potential shortages, and coordinating replenishment activities to prevent production delays.
• Assist in resolving issues related to material shortages, delays, or quality concerns that could impact production schedules.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing material planning processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices for material planning and inventory control.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management to support overall operational goals and company growth.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in material planning, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, supply chain management, or a similar discipline preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop line of balance reports, conduct clear to build reviews, and manage detailed planning data.
• Strong understanding of material planning principles, including BOM management, master data management, and demand forecasting.
• Proficiency with MRP systems, ERP platforms, and MS Office Suite, especially Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Solid mathematical and statistical skills to analyze data, identify trends, and support decision-making.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate across departments and present findings clearly.
• Experience working in aerospace, high-tech manufacturing, or related industries is a plus.
• Knowledge of export controls, U.S. export regulations, and standards such as AS9100 is advantageous.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in aerospace, EV automotive, or other innovative manufacturing sectors.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, rapidly growing environment with evolving processes.
• Knowledge of U.S. export regulations and compliance standards related to aerospace manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically under pressure.
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate complex information effectively.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills, with a focus on achieving shared goals.

Skills & tools

• MRP and ERP systems for material planning and inventory control.
• MS Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for data analysis and reporting.
• Data analysis and reporting tools to generate insights and support planning decisions.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation and technical specifications is a plus.

Practical notes

This position is based on-site in Long Beach, CA, and requires physical presence at the company's facilities. The role may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and working at a computer workstation. Occasional exposure to moderate noise levels and dust in production areas is possible. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or eligible to obtain necessary authorizations under U.S. export regulations. Rocket Lab offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health coverage, paid time off, and equity options. The salary range for this role in California is $65,000 to $90,000 USD annually. Applicants requiring accommodations during the application process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This position may be subject to background checks in accordance with security and regulatory requirements.