Sr. Sourcing Specialist (Starship)

Latent AI; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Long-term incentives and bonuses

Job summary

Latent AI in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Sr. Sourcing Specialist to manage procurement for the Starship program. The ideal candidate will take ownership of sourcing mechanical hardware and ensure supplier performance aligns with technical specifications.

Applicants should possess a relevant advanced degree or equivalent experience and have strong analytical skills. The role is onsite only, emphasizing collaboration and strategic supplier management.

Qualifications

• Manage end-to-end procurement of mechanical hardware for the Starship program.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Take initiative in solving supply chain challenges.

Responsibilities

• Own sourcing activities for precision-machined components.
• Quote and negotiate purchase orders per specifications.
• Forecast demand and manage purchase orders.

Skills

Advanced degree

Experience in engineering, supply chain, or purchasing

Negotiation skills

Data analysis skills using Excel, SQL, Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

6+ years of relevant experience

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

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.

SR. SOURCING SPECIALIST (STARSHIP)

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Sourcing Specialist with a demonstrated track record of extreme ownership and a high sense of agency to own end-to-end procurement and fulfillment of critical mechanical hardware in support of the Starship program. Supply chain functions at SpaceX include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, and inventory.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own sourcing activities across a range of commodities, including precision‑machined components, outside processes (e.g., heat treat, coatings), forgings, castings, and other complex manufactured parts.
• Quote, negotiate, and place purchase orders for precision‑machined components while ensuring alignment with technical specifications, cost targets, and delivery schedules.
• Forecast demand, evaluate supplier capacity, and proactively manage purchase orders to ensure uninterrupted supply of piece parts in support of aggressive development and production schedules.
• Track and drive supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications to select and align with suppliers that deliver optimal manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Manage frequent design changes by clearly communicating updates to the supply base, minimizing downtime, and reducing lead times through proactive coordination.
• Take initiative to solve complex, open‑ended supply chain problems in an ambiguous, fast‑evolving environment to ensure continuity of supply.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to drive alignment, foster collaboration, and enable effective change management throughout the product lifecycle.
• Consistently deliver results with a high level of efficiency and effectiveness, balancing speed and accuracy to meet critical program deadlines.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree; or bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 6+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
  • Engineering
  • Supply Chain
  • Purchasing
  • Contract negotiation
  • Material or production planning
  • Operations management
  • Material cost control
  • Master production scheduling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience leveraging AI tools and large language models to accelerate sourcing activities, including supplier research, cost analysis, demand forecasting, risk assessment, and contract review.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in ambiguous situations, work across organizational boundaries, and rapidly self‑learn and apply new tools and techniques.
• Experience leading supplier development, qualification, and onboarding activities to expand and diversify the supply base for high‑rate production.
• Strong data analysis skills using Excel, SQL, and Power BI.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and managing bills of materials, work orders, and purchase orders.
• Detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, and able to thrive and prioritize in a fast‑moving, ever‑changing environment with multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis.
• Proven track record of achieving results with the ability to quantify impact.
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and equipment, including mills, lathes, forgings, castings, heat treatment, and coatings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface effectively at all levels of the organization.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15%.
• Ability to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
• This position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite – remote work not considered.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Level 1: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00
• Level 2: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00

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.

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