Sourcing Manager, Electronics (Starlink)

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.

SOURCING MANAGER, ELECTRONICS (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best-in-class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a member of the Starlink Supply Chain team you will manage the sourcing for electronics used on our Starlink Product kits that are shipped to customers. 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and manage supply base (domestic and international) for Electronic Components required across our Starlink Product kits

• Work directly with key suppliers to develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies that support existing platforms and new product development

• Evaluate demand while placing and managing purchase orders according to demand signals

• Track delivery and supplier delivery performance
• Provide guidance to internal engineering customers on recommended suppliers to use
• Act as the supplier interface for all RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs
• Monitor global industry trends, track technology roadmaps, and actively partner with the design teams to identify and mitigate supply and demand challenges
• Partner with internal resources to drive adoption of low-cost parts and avoidance of obsolescence
• Visit supplier facilities and accurately assess operational capability, financial health, and capacity in order to award contracts in support of new product development and long-term production
• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis, including strategic direction, capacity, market and industry position, and risk assessment
• Manage costs to ensure alignment with program budget
• Present value propositions to executives, including those related to contract award, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies, and critical supply issues
• Work with supply chain engineers to develop requirements for both NPI and production phases
• Negotiate contracts to ensure continuity of supply and protect SpaceX interests

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 9+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
• Engineering
• Purchasing
• Contract negotiation
• Material or production planning
• Operations or supply chain management
• Material cost control
• Master production scheduling
• Technical procurement or planning experience with raw material commodities

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 6+ years of procurement experience in direct commodity sourcing

• Technical procurement or planning experience with Electronic Components, PCBs, or PCBAs

• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and mass production (MP)

• Experience reading technical drawings, data sheets, fabrication drawing, BOMs and all related files
• Drive piece price and tooling negotiation process to ensure that SpaceX’s commodity pricing meet best-in-class expectations, while meeting best-in-class quality, in addition to driving continual cost reduction and avoidance initiatives through ad-hoc price negotiations
• Address all areas of category management including category business plans, market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies
• Proven track record of taking ownership, successfully negotiating preferred pricing and driving results
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Conducts all activities with the highest level of integrity

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to travel up to 50% of work week as needed (including international travel)
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones
• This position is based in Bastrop, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.