Supplier Quality Specialist (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Company stock options

Paid vacation

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Redmond, WA is seeking a Supply Chain Quality Specialist to manage supplier quality activities. This role aims to eliminate vendor-caused defects and drive supplier improvements.

Successful candidates will have a strong technical background and the ability to work in chaotic situations while effectively communicating critical information.

The position offers a salary range of $85,000 to $130,000, along with various benefits including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in supply chain or related fields.
• Experience in leading improvement projects.
• Working knowledge of machining and quality processes.

Responsibilities

• Execute supply chain non-conformance management processes.
• Analyze supplier quality data to drive improvements.
• Build relationships to eliminate vendor defects.

Skills

Problem-solving

Strong communication

Technical knowledge

Quality background

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or supply chain

Tools

MS Excel

SQL

Lean production methodologies

Job description

About SpaceX and Starlink

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.

Starlink demands a new type of supply chain. We require our suppliers to provide premium quality with rapidly evolving designs, changes in requirements, and execution at commercial‑scale volumes. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge in manufacturing practices of composites, additive manufacturing, machining, piece‑part assembly and/or SMT production. Your knowledge, implementation and execution of quality tools and processes are key to your success in this role. This role requires you to have unrelenting motivation to enable our suppliers for success in support of the SpaceX mission and goals.

About the Role

This position supports the Supply Chain team by managing tactical supplier quality activities with operational rigor, providing high service levels to all stakeholders, and allowing Supply Chain Engineering resources to focus on high‑priority and proactive actions. It includes eliminating the impact of vendor‑caused defects on SpaceX engineering and production through rapid defect containment, resolution, and corrective/preventive action.

Primarily, you will uncover non‑conformances onsite and work with the Supply Chain Engineering team to root cause issues that improve vendor quality. You will help create a structure for executing and improving processes used to manage supplier deviation requests (SDR), material review board (MRB), supplier part containments, and supplier corrective and preventive action activities. You will drive operational excellence in supplier non‑conformance management and work to reduce future non‑conformances. You will build an extensive network within design engineering, build reliability, production, and supply chain management, and develop a deep understanding of SpaceX systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Execute supply chain non‑conformance management processes, including SDR, MRB, return to vendor (RTV), and supplier corrective and preventive action (CAPA).
• Analyze supplier quality data and partner with supply chain engineers and others to drive supplier improvements.
• Build relationships with cross‑functional groups to identify, reduce, and ultimately eliminate impacts from vendor defects.
• Assist the team in developing policies, standards, processes, and documentation as necessary to ensure continued success.

Qualifications

To be successful, you will need:

• A willingness to roll up your sleeves and step into chaotic situations, using technical knowledge and a quality background to understand the current state and most optimal path forward.
• The capability to succinctly communicate status and needed action, often urgently, to your supervisor and other management levels.
• An ability to create and refine ideas or solutions to problems, communicating the benefits of change, and keeping related projects on track.
• An ability to acquire new technical knowledge, particularly around how purchased components and assemblies integrate into the rocket and spacecraft.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 2+ years of experience in an engineering, supply chain, manufacturing or quality field.
• Experience in leading improvement projects in manufacturing or quality related processes.
• Working knowledge of machining, manufacturing and quality processes.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or supply chain.
• Good written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Experience reading engineering drawings, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with AS9100 or similar quality management system standard.
• Previous experience working with suppliers, corrective/preventive action systems, and supplier portals.
• Experience with MS Excel, SQL, process flow mapping, warehouse management systems, lean production environments, and six sigma training.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range:

• 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, 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (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.

EEO Statement

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.