Sourcing Manager, PCB/PCBA (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA seeks a Sourcing Manager, PCB/PCBA (STARSHIELD) to own demand planning and strategic sourcing for satellite hardware across production. You will balance cost, quality, and lead time while enabling high-volume production and reliable supplier performance.

You will work with RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, develop should-cost models, and push for improvements with suppliers. Strong analytical, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills are essential to deliver affordable,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in purchasing, planning, or supply chain.
• Experience with PCB/PCBA or electrical components.
• Ability to develop source strategies with suppliers.
• Strong cost control and budget adherence.
• Experience with RFIs/RFPs/RFQs.
• On-site in Hawthorne, CA.

Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing and cost management strategies with key suppliers.
• Aggregate demand for hardware for Starshield constellation to enable accurate signals.
• Serve as supplier interface for RFIs, RFPs and RFQs.
• Run the RFX process with internal stakeholders and implement sourcing decisions.
• Manage costs to meet budgets and forecasts.
• Develop should-cost models for cost analysis.
• Ensure supplier readiness for prototypes, ramp-up and mass production.
• Drive process improvements and cost-saving programs with suppliers.
• Present value propositions to SpaceX executives on contracts, cost reviews and issues.
• Develop, manage, and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
• Implement analytics tools to manage supplier performance.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

SQL

Access

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.

SOURCING MANAGER, PCB/PCBA (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 own the demand planning and strategic sourcing that power the hardware for SpaceX’s next-generation satellite constellation. You’ll drive end-to-end supply chain execution for critical components used both on the satellites and in their production, balancing aggressive cost, quality, and lead-time targets while scaling production at unprecedented rates. At SpaceX we don’t just manage suppliers; we actively shape them, pushing the industry to higher standards of performance and reliability.Our department spans procurement, planning & fulfillment, supplier development & quality, logistics, and inventory. In this role you will operate at the center of that ecosystem, enabling the high-volume satellite factory of the future.

We move fast. If you thrive in a high-velocity environment and want your work on projects that directly impact the national security of the United States, this is your opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work directly with key suppliers to develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies that support existing platforms and new product development
• Pull and aggregate the overall demand picture for hardware used to support the Starshield satellite constellation to enable an accurate demand signal that will enable rate
• Act as the supplier interface for all RFIs, RFPs and RFQs
• Partner with internal stakeholders to run the RFX process and evaluation, then use results to implement a sourcing decision
• Manage cost aggressively to ensure adherence to project-specific budgets and forecasts
• Develop should-cost models for competitive cost analysis
• Ensure that suppliers are prepared to support all prototype builds with appropriate equipment and material to ensure successful product development, ramp up and mass production
• Drive internal and external process improvements to enhance efficiency and implement cost-saving programs with suppliers
• Present value propositions to SpaceX executives, including those related to contract award, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies and critical supply issues
• Develop, manage, and maintain strong supplier partnerships
• Implement analytical data management tools to manage supplier performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 7+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
• Purchasing
• Material or production planning
• Operations or supply chain management
• Material cost control
• Technical procurement or planning experience with PCB, PCBA, or electrical components

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Technical procurement, manufacturing, or electronic component and board-level commodity experience
• Proven track record of leadership and team-building skills
• Experience in production purchasing preferred
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Knowledge and skills in current technologies and applications, e.g. MS Office Suite, SQL, Access, etc.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
• Conducts all activities with the highest integrity
• Previous work experience reading datasheets, drawings, and blueprints

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• May need to work irregular hours with global suppliers in different time zones
• Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed
• Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends when neededThis position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: Level 3: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00

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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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.

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