Sourcing Manager, Space Lasers (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) matching

Paid parental leave

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Sourcing Manager for their Redmond, WA location to manage sourcing for their Starlink project. The role involves developing and managing a supply base, driving supplier negotiations, and ensuring supply continuity.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in procurement. Responsibilities also include supporting production readiness and improving supplier performance. Compensation includes a salary range from $120,000 to $160,000 annually with benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management or 9+ years in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in direct commodity sourcing and new product introduction.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing across mechanical and optical commodities.
• Develop and manage supply base for rapid design iteration.
• Drive supplier negotiations and ensure supply continuity.

Skills

Procurement experience

Technical procurement for optical components

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Sourcing Manager, Space Lasers (Starlink) — Redmond, WA

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team seeks professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a member of the Starlink supply chain team you will manage sourcing across mechanical and optical commodities used on our Starlink Satellites. Our team moves quickly, and you will influence and shape suppliers to improve cost, quality, and speed of execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supply base (domestic and international) that enables rapid design iteration
• Collaborate with key suppliers to develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies supporting existing platforms and new product development
• Own supply continuity, capacity planning, and production readiness for rapidly scaling programs
• Drive supplier negotiations including pricing, LTAs, capacity investments, lead times, and commercial terms to ensure continuity of supply
• Monitor global industry trends, track technology roadmaps, and partner with design teams to identify and mitigate supply and demand challenges
• Partner with engineering teams to support NPI, design changes, qualification activities, and production transitions
• Build and maintain sourcing strategies including multi-source development, vertical integration opportunities, and new manufacturing techniques
• Lead supplier escalations and recovery efforts for quality, delivery, and technical risks
• Develop clear risk assessments, mitigation plans, and production recovery strategies
• Monitor and improve supplier performance including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost
• Drive end-to-end ownership of hardware from material readiness for prototype builds through full-rate production
• Manage costs to align with program budgets
• Present value propositions to executives related to contract awards, cost reviews, and critical supply issues

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, or supply chain management; or 9+ years of experience in lieu of a degree

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 6+ years of procurement experience in direct commodity sourcing
• Technical procurement or planning experience with machined, optical, or photonic components
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and mass production (MP)
• Experience reading technical drawings, data sheets, fabrication drawings, BOMs, and related files
• Drive pricing and tooling negotiations to meet best-in-class quality and cost reduction goals
• Category management including business plans, market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies
• Proven track record of ownership, negotiation of preferred pricing, and delivering results
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Conducts all activities with the highest level of integrity

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the work week and to travel as needed
• Must be able to work onsite in Redmond, WA. Remote work not considered

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: Sourcing Manager: $120,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

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

Base salary is part of total rewards, including potential long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and employee stock purchase plan. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) with matching, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, and other benefits. Eligible for paid vacation and holidays; sick time in accordance with Washington state law. SpaceX shuttles are available for some Seattle to Redmond commuting needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit and qualifications and not on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. SpaceX complies with ITAR and export control laws where applicable.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.