Supplier Development Engineer, Harnessing (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 work with a team of highly dedicated professionals responsible for demand planning, procurement, inventory, and supplier development for all aspects 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 improve as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality, and speed of execution.

This is a high-profile, cross-functional position that plays an integral role in enabling the development and production flow of Starshield hardware. 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 get to see their work reach orbit.

• →Own continuity of supply for copper and fiber cable harnessing on the Starshield program
• →Collaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, and production teams to manage suppliers and deliver world class products for our customers
• →Support procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier capabilities by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• →Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers
• →Develop and implement supplier technical requirements and quality flow to meet hardware manufacturing needs
• →Implement and monitor 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 to drive supplier improvement plans
• →Function as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues and to provide technical support
• →Drive supplier root cause failure analysis and corrective actions associated with quality gaps, escapes, or containments
• →Lead projects and present reports to internal teams, management, and/or suppliers
• →Act as internal owner of supplier’s statistical process control (SPC), yield improvement activities, new tool/process qualification, and performance in terms of quality, efficiency, and cost

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM discipline 
• 1+ year of experience in a manufacturing and/or process engineering role, or 1+ years of engineering internship experience

• Master's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline
• Experience with copper or fiber harnessing or cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships)
• Experience with IPC-620 WHMA, or applicable USCAR standards
• Experience with manufacturing operations and improvement plans for capacity and quality
• Working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, lean methods) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, e.g., SPC, design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with minimal oversight and learn new skills on-the-job quickly and efficiently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members, and leadership

• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 25-60% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver’s license
• This role is onsite in Hawthorne, CA, remote work not considered

• 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.