Buyer III - Supply Chain

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which spans Integrated Supply Chain, Facilities, and Security across all Blue Origin facilities. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're building reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join a diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight. As part of our Supply Chain team, you will execute complex procurement activities while beginning to shape the supply base for current and future program needs. Working alongside senior buyers and commodity leads, you will take on pre-sourcing and supplier development responsibilities that extend beyond day-to-day purchasing — identifying sources, qualifying new suppliers, and helping build the supply chain foundation that Blue Origin's missions depend on. This position directly impacts space exploration history and requires initiative, strategic thinking, and a commitment to safe, repeatable spaceflight. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: - Own the full procurement lifecycle for complex, high-value, or long-lead commodities — from early engagement through contract closeout - Lead development and execution of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), sourcing partnerships, and other strategic agreements with oversight from a senior buyer or commodity lead - Develop and lead negotiation strategies for complex procurements; structure non-standard contract terms appropriate to program risk and business need - Support pre-sourcing activities for new or emerging requirements: conduct market research, issue RFIs, identify and assess potential suppliers, and summarize capability findings for senior buyer or commodity lead review - Participate in new supplier qualification: coordinate capability assessments, support first-article planning, and assist in setting up qualified sources in internal systems — in partnership with senior buyers - Contribute to supply base strategy for assigned commodities; identify single-source risks, recommend mitigation options, and flag supply base gaps to the commodity lead - Support make/buy analysis and early supplier engagement for new programs or commodity expansions - Ensure rigorous compliance with FAR/DFAR, SOX, and Blue Origin procurement standards; maintain audit-ready records - Serve as a cross-functional procurement point of contact for engineering, finance, and program teams on assigned commodities - Mentor and support Buyer I and Buyer II team members; provide guidance on procurement process, compliance, and supplier management Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field, plus 5–8 years of procurement or supply chain experience; or Master's degree plus 3–5 years - Demonstrated experience leading complex negotiations and managing strategic supplier agreements - Exposure to pre-sourcing, supplier qualification, or new supplier development activities - Strong understanding of contract types and risk allocation in procurement agreements - Deep knowledge of FAR/DFAR and SOX compliance; able to interpret and apply independently - Excellent analytical skills; able to build business cases, perform should-cost analysis, and present recommendations to leadership - Strong cross-functional communication and influencing skills; able to drive alignment across engineering, program, and finance stakeholders - Proven ability to manage ambiguity, define processes, and scale solutions across a growing team - Able to earn trust, build positive professional relationships, and contribute to an inclusive team culture - U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee Desired: - CSCP, CPSM, or PMP certification - Experience with new supplier qualification in an AS9100 or aerospace/defense environment - Familiarity with commodity strategy development or supply base rationalization - Current active DOD Secret Security Clearance and/or Special Access - Experience in Avionics or other complex manufactured commodities Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $96,074.00 - $134,502.90 Other site ranges may differ Culture Statement Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Export Control Regulations Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical Benefits Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program. Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week) Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details. Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here . Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.