Global Supply Manager, Datacenter Switches and Optics (Starlink)

SpaceX; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Palo Alto is seeking a Global Supply Manager for datacenter switches and optics. This role involves managing end-to-end sourcing strategies and maintaining relationships with suppliers. Key responsibilities include negotiating agreements, managing inventory, and continuously optimizing costs and supply chain resilience.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in global supply chain management in a fast-paced environment, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and a passion for SpaceX’s mission.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in business, supply chain, or engineering, or 10+ years in related fields.
• 5+ years in global supply chain with a focus on hardware or datacenter infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Own global sourcing end-to-end including supplier qualification and performance management.
• Negotiate transformative commercial agreements including pricing and volume.
• Lead supplier innovation programs and build strategic relationships.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

GLOBAL SUPPLY MANAGER, DATACENTER SWITCHES AND OPTICS (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.

We are seeking an experienced Global Supply Manager to own end-to-end sourcing strategy, supplier management, and delivery of leading‑edge datacenter switches and optics spanning 400G through 1.6T (and beyond). In this role, you will partner directly with responsible engineers to define commodity strategy, build the commodity roadmap, establish and maintain the approved vendor list, and secure supply at the insane world‑class build speeds the SpaceX team is driving. You will negotiate high‑impact agreements, accelerate delivery timelines, actively manage inventory, and continuously optimize for cost, quality, speed, and supply chain resilience, in one of the fastest‑moving AI infrastructure programs on the planet. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous, high‑velocity environments, possesses strong commercial acumen, and has a proven track record delivering results in hyperscale networking hardware procurement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner deeply with responsible engineers, silicon architects, and network teams to co‑define commodity strategy, multi‑year technology roadmaps, and approved vendor lists for switches and optics (400G–1.5T and next‑generation architectures)
• Own global sourcing end‑to‑end, including aggressive supplier qualification, dual/​multi‑sourcing strategies, and performance management to deliver unprecedented on‑time delivery and lead‑time compression while supporting SpaceX's record‑breaking cluster build cadence
• Negotiate transformative commercial agreements that include not only pricing and volume, co‑development commitments, early access to pre‑production silicon/​optics, and priority allocation during industry shortages
• Deploy predictive analytics, AI‑driven demand forecasting, and real‑time supply chain visibility tools to anticipate and mitigate risks (geopolitical, capacity, yield, or technology transition) before they impact build schedules
• Drive continuous cost leadership through value engineering, should‑cost modeling, and long‑term pricing agreements while maintaining or exceeding the highest quality and reliability standards required for SpaceX training clusters
• Lead supplier innovation programs, challenge and collaborate with vendors on custom form factors, power‑efficient designs, higher‑density optics, and open standards that accelerate SpaceX's hardware roadmap and reduce total cost of ownership
• Build and maintain a world‑class supply base through strategic relationships, regular executive business reviews, and joint development projects that position SpaceX as the preferred partner for cutting‑edge networking hardware
• Establish clear KPIs for cost, quality, speed, and resilience that are reviewed weekly with leadership
• Act as a force multiplier across the organization by mentoring cross‑functional teams on supply chain best practices and fostering a culture of ownership, speed, and technical depth

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 10+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
  • Business
  • Supply Chain
  • Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in global supply chain, procurement, sourcing, or commodity management with a focus on hardware, semiconductors, networking, or datacenter infrastructure

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Technical understanding of datacenter networking architectures, ethernet switches, optical transceivers, and/or high‑speed interconnects
• Experience working in fast‑paced, high‑growth technology, or hyperscale environment
• Previous experience at hyperscalers, networking OEMs, AI infrastructure companies, or semiconductor supply organizations
• Demonstrated success delivering results in ambiguous, high‑velocity environments with extremely aggressive timelines
• Strong negotiation, analytical, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Familiarity with commodity management, roadmap planning, vendor development, and approved vendor list processes
• Passion for SpaceX's mission and excitement about contributing to the fastest AI infrastructure builds on Earth

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support supplier relationships and critical projects
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with rapidly evolving priorities and world‑class execution speed
• This position is based in Palo Alto, CA and requires being onsite

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or 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 Affi­ci­ative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].