Buyer / Planner

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role

We are seeking a Buyer/Planner II to own both procurement and material planning across production and new product introduction (NPI) programs. This role is critical to ensuring hardware is built on time and at scale, with direct impact on our ability to deploy next generation space communication systems. You will own the full material lifecycle from demand through delivery, combining planning and purchasing to drive speed, accountability, and execution. Working at the intersection of supply chain, engineering, and operations, you will translate rapidly evolving designs into clear material requirements and ensure parts are on hand to support build and test without delay.

This role requires operating in ambiguity, making fast decisions with incomplete data, and proactively solving supply constraints before they impact hardware. You will be expected to take ownership of your programs, drive suppliers to meet aggressive timelines, and continuously improve how we plan and procure as we scale.

If you are energized by ownership, fast paced environments, and seeing your decisions translate into real hardware in the field, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Own purchasing and planning activities for assigned commodities and/or product lines, placing and managing purchase orders, ensuring alignment with production schedules and demand signals
• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, and delivery schedules, proactively mitigate risks and shortages, assist in supplier communications including RFQs, order confirmations, and delivery follow-ups
• Support material planning for production and NPI builds, including prototype and low-volume programs
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure timely material availability for builds and tests
• Maintain and update ERP system data (item masters, lead times, planning parameters, BOMs as needed), execute MRP signals and act on planned orders, reschedules, and cancellations
• Support continuous improvement of procurement and planning processes and tools, help identify long-lead items and drive early procurement strategies for NPI programs

Basic Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, material planning, or supply chain in a manufacturing environment
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, basic data analysis)
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment, supporting NPI or prototype builds
• Background in aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industries
• Familiarity with PCBAs, electromechanical assemblies, or complex hardware systems
• Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP platforms, SQL, MS Excel, or MRP planning concepts and execution

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Northwood Space reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with optional needs.
• This role requires being on-site 5 days per week

Compensation

Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, 10 or more paid holidays per year, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.