Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical (Starshield)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, MECHANICAL (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

As a member of the Starshield Supply Chain team you will manage the demand plan and sourcing for hardware used on, and in the making of, the Starshield satellite constellation. Our team moves quickly and you must too. SpaceX has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers to be better with us as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality and speed of execution. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics and inventory. This roles scope will help enable production rates in the satellite factory of the future!

This is a high-profile, cross-functional position that plays an integral role in enabling the development and production flow of Satellites and Gateways. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing departments as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative, and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, supplier development engineers are able to see their assemblies come to life every day.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starshield satellite and ground station systems

Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intent

Support the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems

Create and define supplier technical and quality requirements based on customer and program requirements and expectations for NPI and production phases

Lead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, production, and suppliers

Define product technical requirements and ensure supplier compliance

Implement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production

Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plans

Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrology

Identify and drive product and process improvements to lower part costs, reduce supply risk, eliminate potential defects, and improve cycle time

Effectively manage mission-critical supply chain by establishing excellent working relationships and regular lines of communication with suppliers

Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage

Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply base

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline

1+ years of experience in a manufacturing and/or process engineering role, or 1+ years of engineering internship experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE :

Ability and willingness to obtain a U.S. government top secret clearance

Solid understanding and application of GD T

Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive results

Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)

Knowledge of Lean, production, and supply chain concepts

Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills

Ability to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

Must be wi…