AI Data Ops & Strategic Sourcing Lead

SpaceX; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options / long-term incentives

Employee stock purchase plan

Comprehensive health benefits (medical

Dental and vision

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Data Operations) to build and run SpaceXAI's data operations team. You will define sourcing strategy, vet training data, manage vendor relationships, and collaborate with research to improve model performance.

You will lead a global supplier network, negotiate major agreements, and drive data quality standards while delivering datasets that meet cost, quality, and speed targets in a high-pressure environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of experience in business, supply chain, engineering, procurement, strategy and operations, or technology.
• Experience in data operations or technical sourcing with a proven track record in high-pressure environments.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, and cross-functional skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing sourcing team focused on acquiring high-quality data.
• Source and co-develop datasets with vendor partners to meet model needs.
• Oversee the global supplier network, including end-to-end sourcing and qualification.
• Negotiate major agreements covering pricing, volume, quality, and delivery.
• Continuously improve, standardize, and scale sourcing processes and planning systems.
• Track team and category KPIs and report to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical

Cross-functional collaboration

Ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 4+ years in relevant fields

Tools

Vendor management software

Data quality tooling

Job description

SpaceX is hiring a Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Data Operations) to build and run SpaceXAI's data operations team. You will define sourcing strategy, vet training data, manage vendor relationships, and collaborate with research to improve model performance.

You will lead a global supplier network, negotiate major agreements, and drive data quality standards while delivering datasets that meet cost, quality, and speed targets in a high-pressure environment.