Procurement Engineer

We are seeking a talented and motivated Purchasing Engineer with a strong background in mechanical engineering or multi-engineering to join our team. This role will focus on supporting the procurement team by sourcing and acquiring Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) equipment necessary for launch operations. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to space exploration by ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery of essential components. 

Orbex  

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being prepared to launch from Scotland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €122m/£103m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.   
  

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.  

 Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.    

Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.  

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.  

The Position  

Responsibilities of the role   

• Collaborate with engineers and suppliers to procure ground support equipment, including systems involving electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical assemblies. 

• Review and interpret engineering specifications and technical drawings to identify procurement requirements. 

• Source and evaluate suppliers to ensure adherence to quality, cost, and delivery standards. 

• Negotiate contracts and maintain strong supplier relationships to optimise procurement efficiency. 

• Provide technical support to the purchasing team throughout the procurement cycle. 

• Monitor and report on project costs, timelines, and risks to ensure objectives are met. 

• Support Make / Buy decisions where necessary by obtaining quotes, supplying supplier performance data as well as highlighting risks and opportunities.   

Qualifications and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. 

• CIPS certification or equivalent procurement qualifications. 

• Proven experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably within the aerospace, automotive, oil and gas  or manufacturing industries. 

• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, materials, and manufacturing processes. 

• Proficiency in ERP systems and tools (we use Odoo) . 

• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills. 

Desirable experience and traits:  

• Knowledge of the space industry, launch operations, aerospace manufacturing. 

• Familiarity with ground support equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics, and related systems. 

• A passion for innovation and space technology. 

Personality  

• Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.  

• It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members.  

• You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.  

Location – Forres  

Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.  

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.  

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.  

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of the Highlands.  

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.  

Security 

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.  

Benefits – UK  

• Salary of £39-45k depending on experience  

• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays 

• NEST workplace pension 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps. 

• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary. 

• Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps 

• Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support throughout the visa application process. .