Procurement Engineer

About PLD Space

PLD Space is an international company on a mission to transport satellites into space, vertically integrating the engineering, testing, manufacturing, and operations of its reusable and sustainable rockets. Headquartered in Elche (Spain) and founded in 2011 by Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, PLD Space has established itself as a global benchmark in the small satellite launch sector. Its family of MIURA launchers and LINCE crewed capsule position the company as a leader in European technological sovereignty for space transportation, covering the full spectrum of space missions.

PLD Space operates over 188,000 m² of facilities in Elche, Teruel (Spain), Kourou (French Guiana), and Duqm (Oman), enabling the company to provide comprehensive satellite and payload launch services into space.

Teamwork, courage, determination and ambition enable PLD Space to guarantee an autonomous, independent satellite space access capability, based on reliability at a globally competitive price. The company is able to offer best-in-class launch services to commercial satellite operators, institutions, space agencies and national and international governmental entities

Mission

As a Procurement Engineer focused on Industrial Machinery, you will be responsible for the sourcing, evaluation, acquisition, and management of suppliers related to production equipment and industrial assets, including CNC machines, lathes, welding systems, fabrication tooling, and auxiliary workshop equipment.

You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Operations teams to ensure that all equipment meets technical, operational, cost, and lifecycle requirements-from specification and supplier selection through installation, commissioning, and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers of industrial machinery, ensuring the best balance between technical performance, cost, lead time, after-sales support, and reliability.

Define and manage supplier selection processes for equipment such as:

• CNC machining centers (3/5 axis)
• Lathes and turning equipment
• Welding systems (manual, robotic, TIG/MIG)
• Sheet metal and fabrication machinery
• Industrial tooling and workshop infrastructure

Collaborate closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to define technical specifications, machine requirements, and industrial capabilities.

Act as the main interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders during:

• Technical evaluation
• RFQ/RFP processes
• Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
• Installation and commissioning

Ensure full alignment between machine capabilities and production needs, tolerances, volumes, and industrialisation plans.

Support supplier discussions on:

• Machine design and configuration
• Automation and integration (robotics, PLCs, MES/ERP interfaces)
• Tooling, fixtures, and auxiliary systems

Manage contracts and procurement processes for both:

• Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) projects
• Maintenance, spare parts, and technical services (OPEX)

Monitor supplier performance in terms of:

• Delivery timelines
• Machine performance and uptime
• Service response and maintenance support

Identify and mitigate risks related to:

• Equipment delays
• Technical deviations
• Installation/commissioning issues
• Supplier dependencies
• Drive continuous improvement in the equipment supplier base, focusing on innovation, productivity gains, and cost optimisation.
• Contribute to long-term industrial investment and equipment strategy, supporting factory growth and capability roadmap.

Required Competences

Common Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in procurement of industrial equipment, capital goods, or manufacturing assets.
• Proven experience in sourcing and negotiating complex industrial machinery or production systems.
• Strong understanding of CAPEX procurement processes and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Ability to work cross-functionally with technical and operational teams.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Structured, proactive, and results-oriented approach.
• Excellent communication skills, especially in supplier negotiations.
• Ability to manage multiple equipment projects simultaneously.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Additional languages (e.g. German, Italian, or French) are a plus.

Engineering-Oriented Profile

Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar.

Strong technical knowledge of industrial equipment, including:

• CNC machining and metal cutting processes
• Welding technologies and fabrication methods
• Machine tool capabilities, tolerances, and productivity parameters
• Industrial automation and integration (robotics, PLCs, digital manufacturing)

Ability to evaluate:

• Machine performance vs. production requirements
• Technical proposals from suppliers
• Layout integration and factory constraints

Experience participating in:

• Equipment acceptance tests (FAT/SAT)
• Installation and commissioning processes

Capability to engage in detailed technical discussions with machine suppliers regarding:

• Specifications
• Customisation
• Industrial feasibility
• Lifecycle and maintenance requirements

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Physiotherapy within our facilities
• 50% discount on your health insurance
• You can sign-up your family members with health insurance at a competitive price.
• Healthy snacks and lots of fruit

Find balance

• 23 days of paid vacation plus December 24th and 31st
• Flexible work schedule

Never stop learning

• We encourage practical learning
• We promote professional development through internal mobility and teamwork

Focus on your financial future

• Childcare flexible contributions
• Restaurant tickets
• Transport flexible contributions
• Training support

Values

We have five critical beliefs that guide the way PLD Space is shaping the future of space launch technologies.

• Teamwork.
• Hard work.
• Dynamism.
• Commitment.
• Keep it simple.

Join us to reinvent how rockets are built!