Supplier Development Engineer II, Mechanical Systems (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm seeks a Supplier Development Engineer II to enhance the supply chain for the groundbreaking Starlink project. This role involves improving metrics for mechanical hardware, collaborating with various engineering teams, and managing supplier relationships to ensure high-quality production. You'll be at the forefront of a project that aims to provide reliable internet access globally, working in a dynamic environment that fosters creativity and technical excellence. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to make a significant impact in a high-profile role, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation (3 weeks)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Life insurance

Short and long-term disability insurance

Various discounts and perks

Paid holidays (10 or more per year)

Qualifications

• 3+ years in manufacturing or mechanical engineering roles required.
• Master's degree preferred with a strong analytical skill set.

Responsibilities

• Improve quality, cost, and delivery metrics for mechanical hardware.
• Collaborate with teams to drive supply chain strategies and improvements.

Skills

Project Ownership

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Time Management

Organizational Skills

Statistical Techniques

Lean Manufacturing

Supply Chain Concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering, business, or supply chain

Job description

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II, MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

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 internal engineering and manufacturing departments as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, supplier development engineers are able to see their assemblies come to life every day!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starlink satellite and ground station systems.
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intent.
• Support the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Create and define supplier technical and quality requirements based on customer and program requirements and expectations for NPI and production phases.
• Lead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, production, and suppliers.
• Define product technical requirements, and ensure supplier compliance with these requirements.
• Implement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production.
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plans.
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrology.
• Identify and drive product & process improvements to lower part cost, reduce supply risk, eliminate potential defects, and improve cycle time.
• Effectively manage mission-critical supply chain by establishing excellent working relationships and regular lines of communication with suppliers.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage.
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply base.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 3+ years of industry experience in a manufacturing and/or process engineering, and/or mechanical engineering role.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in engineering, business, or supply chain.
• Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive results.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Knowledge of lean, production, and supply chain concepts.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to travel: Up to 25-60% work week travel may be required.
• Valid driver’s license.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Supplier Development Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year.

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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.