Sourcing Manager: Mechanical & Optical Components

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX Bastrop, TX seeks a Sourcing Manager for Mechanical & Optical Commodities to drive supplier strategies across domestic and international bases. You will work with engineering to support NPI, design changes, and production transitions while maintaining supply continuity for rapidly scaling programs.

The role requires procurement expertise in machined, optical, or photonic components, along with strong negotiation skills and a track record of cost reductions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 5+ years in purchasing or 9+ years in lieu of degree.
• Experience sourcing machined, optical, or photonic components.
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and mass production (MP).
• Ability to read technical drawings, data sheets, BOMs and related files.
• Ability to drive pricing, tooling negotiations, and cost reduction initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supply base (domestic and international) for rapid design iteration.
• Negotiate pricing, LTAs, capacity investments, lead times, and commercial terms.
• Own supply continuity, capacity planning, and production readiness for scaling programs.
• Partner with engineering teams on NPI, design changes, and production transitions.
• Build sourcing strategies including multi-source development and new manufacturing techniques.
• Lead executive-level supplier escalations for quality, delivery, and risks.

Skills

Procurement experience

Technical procurement

New product introduction (NPI)

Mass production

Contract negotiations

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

9+ years experience in purchasing in lieu of degree

Job description

SpaceX Bastrop, TX seeks a Sourcing Manager for Mechanical & Optical Commodities to drive supplier strategies across domestic and international bases. You will work with engineering to support NPI, design changes, and production transitions while maintaining supply continuity for rapidly scaling programs.

The role requires procurement expertise in machined, optical, or photonic components, along with strong negotiation skills and a track record of cost reductions.