Buyer/ Planner II

About Northwood:

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.

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

• Place and manage purchase orders, ensuring alignment with production schedules and demand signals

• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, and delivery schedules; proactively mitigate risks and shortages

• 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

• Track inventory levels and support cycle counts, excess/obsolete mitigation, and inventory optimization

• Assist in supplier communications including RFQs, order confirmations, and delivery follow-ups

• 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)

• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, basic data analysis)

• Experience managing purchase orders and supplier relationships

• 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:

• Startup or high-growth environment experience

• Experience 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

• Advanced competency in SQL and MS Excel

• Exposure to MRP planning concepts and execution

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. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive health care, flexible vacation, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information:

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.