Sourcing Specialist, Mechanical Commodities (Starlink)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Sourcing Specialist to support the Starlink production facility. You will place purchase orders, forecast demand, and develop commodity strategies for machined parts and assemblies.

Work closely with engineering and manufacturing to ensure on-time delivery, manage supplier performance, and negotiate contracts. This role is onsite in Bastrop with up to 30% travel and requires strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain, or engineering.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and BOM/WO/PO management.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Place POs and resolve blocked invoices.
• Forecast demand, assess capacity, and manage supply signals.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and high-risk components.
• Develop sourcing strategies for mechanical parts and assemblies.
• Author contracts with legal and manage supplier contracts.

Skills

Forecasting & planning

Data analysis

Vendor & contract negotiation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

BOM/WO/PO management

Contract management tools

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

SOURCING SPECIALIST, MECHANCIAL COMMODITIES (STARLINK)

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink constellation is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world. The Starlink Supply Chain Department is looking for a Sourcing Specialist to support the Bastrop, TX production facility. To capitalize on our technical and market success, our team will execute large-scale projects that will define the bottom-line for the Starlink program. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, inventory management, negotiation of supplier contracts and pricing, and developing the commodity strategy.

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Satellites and Gateways. You will work in close coordination with engineering and manufacturing departments, executing effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, sourcing specialists are able to see their assemblies come to life every day!

Responsibilities

• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices related to assigned category
• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply signals to adjust incoming material
• Track high risk components and supplier delivery performance
• Communicate clearly and rapidly to influence decisions of vendors and senior leadership
• Interpret engineering drawings and BOMs
• Create sourcing strategies for all mechanical custom and COTS hardware
• Develop a preferred supplier network and leverage it to minimize cost and lead time for the fabrication and delivery of parts
• Support commodities including but are not limited to machined parts, electromechanical equipment, large machining, finish processes, mechanical assemblies, etc.
• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency
• Manage outsource fabrication projects including planning, coordinating with stakeholders, estimating completion, and manage vendor performance
• Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities
• Responsible for authoring of contract documents with the legal department
• Management of contracts ensuring performance of the supplier to contract obligations
• Understand interrelationships between contracts and terms while applying creativity and sound business reasoning to interpret application of contract to business needs
• Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings benefit while lowering risk

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or engineering

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience with MRP or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and with managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis
• Strong track record for achieving results; highly preferred to be able to reference wins and quantify impact
• Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL and PowerBI
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication, etc.
• Familiar with common material finishes and coatings, including paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment, etc.
• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications
• Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel
• 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
• Capability to prioritize multiple on-going projects

Additional Requirements

• Position may require extended hours and/or weekend work when needed
• Position may require travel up to 30%
• This position is based out in Bastrop and is 100% onsite

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. 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 Aff… , or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].