Purchasing & Materials Lead

Scout Space•Reston, VA

3d•$80,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Scout is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people who bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward. Scout Space is seeking a highly organized, hands-on Purchasing & Operations Manager to own day-to-day purchasing and support the inventory and materials activities that keep our engineering and hardware programs running smoothly. This role will coordinate purchasing from approved request through fulfillment, working closely with suppliers and internal teams while maintaining appropriate controls, documentation, and visibility. The role will also support inventory, receiving, shipping and logistics, as well as other operational needs as they arise. The ideal candidate is resourceful, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing day-to-day execution while helping build scalable processes and systems as Scout grows.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory, materials management, supply chain, or a related operational role
Experience managing purchasing transactions, purchase orders, supplier coordination, and order fulfillment
Experience working with inventory, receiving, shipping, or materials-management processes
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple priorities
Ability to work effectively with technical, finance, quality, and other cross-functional teams
Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to resolving purchasing, material, and delivery issues
Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and helping develop and improve processes as the organization grows

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing, hardware, aerospace, defense, or another technical environment
Familiarity with purchasing and inventory systems, ERP platforms, or related business systems
Experience working within quality-controlled or regulated environments, including familiarity with supplier documentation, traceability, or receiving inspection requirements
Experience helping implement or improve purchasing, inventory, or materials-management processes
Prior experience in a startup or high-growth company

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day purchasing administration across the company, with a particular focus on supporting engineering and hardware programs.
Manage approved purchases through fulfillment, including purchase order processing, supplier coordination, order tracking, and required documentation.
Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams on quotations, pricing, availability, lead times, and resolution of purchasing issues.
Partner with Finance, Engineering, and Mission Assurance to ensure purchasing activities meet applicable financial, technical, quality, and documentation requirements.
Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records and help improve procurement processes and systems as the company grows.
Manage inventory, receiving, materials, and shipping activities, maintaining accurate records and visibility into material location and status.
Coordinate applicable receiving, inspection, acceptance, traceability, and shipping requirements, and proactively resolve material and delivery issues.
Support broader business operations, including day-to-day office and facility needs, vendor coordination, and other cross-functional activities.
Take ownership of operational projects and process improvements based on evolving company needs and priorities.