Manufacturing Engineer - Supplier Development, Optics & Optomechanical Systems (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Shuttle service

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Supplier Development for Optics & Optomechanical Systems (Starlink). You will build and scale a highly technical supplier base for the free-space optical communication system, partnering with design, materials, and manufacturing to deliver robust, cost‑effective production. The role requires a B.S.

in engineering, 2+ years in manufacturing or process engineering, and hands-on optics experience. Travel up to 60% may be needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and/or process engineering role (internship experience acceptable).
• 2+ years of hands-on optics, photonics, laser tech, or precision mechanical design, manufacturing, or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies).

Responsibilities

• Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in Starlink systems.
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to understand part, assembly, metrology, and sub-system design intent.
• Drive design for manufacturing feedback and scalable production designs.

Skills

Process engineering

Optics / Photonics

Root cause analysis

Supplier collaboration

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM

Master's degree in optics, engineering, business, or supply chain

Tools

Statistical methods

Job description

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT, OPTICS & OPTOMECHANICAL SYSTEMS (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. Laser communication is a highly valuable technology due to the high data bandwidth and high spatial efficiency, which requires engineering precise and high-performance electro-optical and optomechanical systems. This role is for a Supplier Development Engineer embedded within the Space Lasers team, supporting the internal engineering and manufacturing teams. You will be responsible for building and scaling a highly technical supply base for the free-space optical communication system design. Your direct impact and optical/mechanical expertise will help shape SpaceX's capabilities to transmit high-rate data around the world via laser communication systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starlink 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
• Drive design for manufacturing feedback and best practices with peer teams for efficient and highly scalable production designs
• 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 with these requirements
• 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 & process improvements to lower part cost, 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, proactivity, 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
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and/or process engineering role (internship experience is applicable)
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design, manufacturing, or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in optics, engineering, business, or supply chain
• 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 willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 25-60% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver's license

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00; Level 2: $115,000.00 - $165,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.

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 Affinitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].