Procurement Specialist

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical.  We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

We’re looking for a Procurement Specialist who will play a critical role in sourcing, negotiating, and managing the supply chain for advanced spacecraft hardware and mission-critical systems. This role requires a balance of technical understanding, cost-awareness, and supplier relationship management to ensure Katalyst has the materials and services needed to execute rapidly and reliably on orbit. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with engineering team to source and procure spacecraft components, avionics, propulsion systems, and ground support equipment. 
• Negotiate supplier agreements to achieve cost savings, quality standards, and schedule commitments. 
• Develop and manage vendor relationships, ensuring accountability and performance. 
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to anticipate material requirements and resolve procurement challenges. 
• Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, supplier performance, and material costs. 
• Continuously evaluate suppliers and market conditions to mitigate risk and identify strategic sourcing opportunities. 
• Track procurement milestones within the integrated master schedule (IMS) and proactively escalate risks or delays to program managers. 
• Support budget and cost account management by reconciling procurement spend against program baselines. 
• Contribute to program reviews (PDR, CDR, BRs) by preparing procurement status, risks, and mitigation plans. 
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs to support contract deliverables, vendor data packages, and government reporting requirements. 
• Work with program management to define material requirements, long-lead procurement strategies, and funding authorization timing. 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field—or equivalent industry experience. 
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or related functions. 
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier relationships. 
• Familiarity with aerospace or high-reliability hardware procurement. 
• Understanding of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR). 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment. 
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARs and how they are applied to subcontractors and the supply chain 

Preferred:

• Experience sourcing components for spacecraft, aircraft, or other mission-critical systems. 
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems. 
• Strong technical literacy to engage effectively with engineering teams and suppliers. 
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under aggressive schedules. 

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

• Compensation and Benefits:  
• Anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000 - $140,000

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.