Varstaff is searching to an Indirect Buyer for Kent Washington or Melbourne Florida.
Position Overview:
Level II or Level III
We are seeking an experienced Level 2 or 3 Indirect Buyer (Contractor) to support our procurement operations. This role will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement of indirect materials and services, with specialized focus on standard Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, Engineering Technology/Information Technology (ET/IT) hardware, and aerospace-related goods and services. The ideal candidate will bring strong negotiation skills, supplier management experience, and the ability to navigate complex procurement requirements in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Locations: Melbourne Florida or Kent Washington.
Must be a W2 Employee - US Citizen.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience5+ years of procurement/purchasing experience, preferably in an indirect buying capacityDemonstrated experience procuring COTS products and IT/technology hardwareStrong negotiation and supplier management skillsProficiency with ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa)Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentPreferred Qualifications
Experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environmentsFamiliarity with aerospace quality standards and procurement compliance requirementsProfessional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM, or equivalent)Experience with strategic sourcing and category managementKey Responsibilities
Procurement & Sourcing
Execute the full procurement lifecycle for indirect categories, including COTS products, ET/IT hardware, and aerospace materials/servicesProcess purchase requisitions and convert them into purchase orders in compliance with company policies and proceduresSource, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and service criteriaIssue Requests for Quote (RFQs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and conduct competitive bid analysesStandard COTS Procurement
Manage procurement of standard commercial off-the-shelf products across multiple categoriesIdentify opportunities for catalog buying and standardization to drive efficiencyMaintain relationships with COTS distributors and manufacturersET/IT Hardware Procurement
Procure engineering technology and information technology hardware, including computing equipment, networking components, peripherals, and test equipmentCoordinate with IT and engineering stakeholders to understand technical specifications and requirementsEnsure hardware procurement aligns with security, compatibility, and lifecycle management requirementsAerospace Procurement
Support procurement of aerospace-related materials, components, and servicesNavigate specialized requirements including quality certifications, traceability, and compliance standards relevant to aerospace applicationsCoordinate with engineering and quality teams on technical and compliance specificationsSupplier & Stakeholder Management
Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and competitive pricingNegotiate pricing, terms, and conditions to achieve cost savings and valueResolve supplier issues including quality concerns, delivery delays, and invoice discrepanciesPartner with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure timely fulfillmentCompliance & Documentation
Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulationsMaintain accurate procurement records and documentationSupport audit activities and reporting requirementsPre-Screen Questions:
Procurement Experience & Category Expertise Describe your experience managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for indirect categories. Specifically, what is your hands-on experience purchasing standard COTS products, ET/IT hardware, and aerospace-related materials or services? Please provide examples of category spend you've managed.Negotiation & Cost Savings Walk us through a specific example where you negotiated favorable pricing, terms, or conditions with a supplier. What was the situation, what approach did you take, and what measurable savings or value did you achieve?ERP/Procurement Systems Proficiency Which procurement or ERP systems have you used (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa)? Describe your level of proficiency and how you've used these tools to process requisitions, manage purchase orders, and track procurement activities.| | | |
Read LessWe are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Test Engineer to join our aerospace team in Kent, WA, supporting the integrated system testing of our launch vehicles. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in electrical and systems engineering with a strong background in data acquisition and Python scripting. You will work alongside multidisciplinary teams to ensure the quality, performance, and reliability of subsystems critical to human spaceflight missions.
Key Responsibilities:
Plan, develop, and execute integrated system testing of launch vehicles with a focus on electrical subsystems.Design, implement, and optimize data acquisition systems for accurate test measurement and analysis.Write and maintain automation scripts in Python to support data acquisition, test execution, and data post-processing.Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to develop comprehensive test plans and procedures.Troubleshoot and resolve issues with electrical and data acquisition systems during testing.Analyze test results, document findings, and provide recommendations for design improvements.Support both ground and flight-testing campaigns, ensuring all test activities meet program quality and safety standards.Maintain detailed documentation for test setups, procedures, and findings to support future reviews and audits.Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.3-5+ years of experience in electrical test engineering, preferably within the aerospace or related industry.Proven experience with data acquisition systems (DAQ), instrumentation, and control systems.Proficiency in Python for automation, data processing, and scripting tasks.Strong understanding of system-level testing, troubleshooting, and failure analysis.Experience working in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.Ability to work onsite in Kent, WA. Read LessPosition Specific Details:
B- Shift: Monday – Thursday (2pm-12:30AM).C-Shift: Fri – Sunday (5am-5:30pm)D-Shift: Fri – Sunday (5:00pm – 5:30am)Location: Rocket Park, Florida
Job Details and Requirements Section
1. Can you give us an overview of the project this resource would be working on and what the day-to-day activities would look like? Produce New Glenn rocket, protect outside of rocket from heat & cold. Training provided for all levels. OJT onsite.
a. Level 1 –applying thermal protection systems onto New Glenn hardware, surface preparation
b. Level 2 – adhesive application, bonding process, final verification/inspections
c. Level 3 – vacuum bagging experience, sealants in the aerospace environment, composite repairs, verification/inspections, will be w/A shift for the first 1-2wks for training.
2. Are there other positions or job titles with similar responsibilities and qualifications to the one we are hiring for in other companies? Someone coming from Northrop or Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), vacuum bagging, TPS application on vehicles experience, aerospace manufacturing.
3. Is this new headcount or a backfill? New headcount
4. How large of a team are they working on? 40 technicians currently, need to build up to 64
5. Is team currently on site, remote or combination? Onsite - Rocket Park, FL
6. What does training for this role look like (if any)? Training on Shift A for all selected candidates. Training will include CBTs, safety, Rocket School, OJT and with SMEs.
7. Will any of the following be required for this position: overtime, on call, weekends, off hours? Everyone is working 1 additional day; B shift is working Mon - Friday and C/D shifts are working Friday - Sunday.
8. Is there any chance the role can extend to 24 months or convert to FTE? Yes, may look to extend past the 6 months.
Prescreen Questions (Every candidate needs to answer these at the top of resume)
1.) Of all the Aerospace or mechanical skills, you possess - what is your favorite to practice and utilize?
2.) Do you have Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and tool control Experience and If so, can you walk me through how you execute FOD and tool control at your present employer, while in the military, or at trade school?
3.) Can you walk me through the level of detail you utilize when you fill out technical logs and records or production orders for your customers?
4.) How do you achieve excellent customer service in aircraft/spacecraft production and maintenance?
5.) What does first time quality in any task mean to you, and what steps do you take to achieve it?
Job Description:
We are seeking a skilled Technician in Integration Engineering who will leverage their technical expertise and leadership to ensure safe and efficient human spaceflight. This role involves setting up production areas, operating precision tools, and leading continuous improvement initiatives to support our mission of safe space exploration.
Key Responsibilities:
Configure new production work areas with the necessary tooling and equipment to ensure efficient workflow and minimize any potential delays during the transition to high-rate manufacturing.Operate material handling equipment (forklifts, cranes, etc.) and precision calibrated tools (torque wrenches, micrometers, etc.) to maintain high safety and quality standards.Identify and implement continuous improvement projects for safety and efficiency, enhancing overall productivity.Drive the transition from development to production, proactively performing troubleshooting and maintenance as needed.Maintain clean and organized work areas following 5S principles to promote safety and operational efficiency.Tasks involve preparing and testing payload systems and hardware by applying TPS materials, conducting sealing, repairs, testing, and assisting with vehicle assembly and installation.
Team Focus & Domain Expertise:
In this position, you will be responsible for applying various thermal protection systems (TPS) onto New Glenn flight hardware according to written procedures, engineering models, drawings, and specifications at the Surface Coating Facility.
You will be responsible for Application of thermal protection systems (TPS) onto New Glenn flight hardware Performing surface preparation, fixturing, adhesive application, gap filling, and vacuum bagging of large structures. Adhering to equipment requirements, methods, and sequences of operation to be followed in the fabrication of parts using materials such as sealants, primers, RTV adhesives, solvents, and consumable materials
You will perform second-party verifications and hardware inspections of engineering models, drawings, specifications, and written procedures.
We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to impact safe human spaceflight positively. Passion for our mission and vision is required!
Minimum Qualifications:
· 2 or more years of experience (for level 1) in aerospace manufacturing, integration, aircraft heavy depot level maintenance or another related field.
· Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications accurately.
· Experience with precision calibration tools including torque wrenches, micrometers, calipers, laser tracker, and optical measuring instruments.
· Ability to lift 50lbs and comfortable working at heights (work stands, ladders, lifts) and/or in confined spaces.
· Expertise in various applications, including adhesives, sealants, and thermal blankets.
· Proficiency in digital tools, including Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
· Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legally admitted refugee.
Preferred Qualifications:
· A&P Airframe and Powerplant License
· Aerospace technician certification or similar.
o Industry certification, trade school training and/or degree in related field.
o Experience with cryogenic systems, fluid assembly, and aerospace/launch vehicle assembly, crucial for ensuring the integrity and reliability of our spacecraft's propulsion systems.
o Knowledge of precision assembly processes and handling large aerospace components.
o Strong technical and leadership skills with keen attention to detail, essential for leading teams in complex integration tasks.
o Effective communication and collaboration skills in diverse teams to foster a positive work environment.
o Continuous improvement mindset and curiosity for optimizing processes, driving innovation.
Experience working on aerospace payloads, fairings, capsules.ATF Certification for handling and/or installing explosives.Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.Willingness to work overtime.