Sourcing Manager, Connectors (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.

SOURCING MANAGER, CONNECTORS (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 Manager to support the Redmond, WA 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:

• Supported commodities include but are not limited to connectors, pins/contacts, cables/harnesses, back shells, studs, related connector accessories, etc. 
• Create sourcing strategies for assigned connector suppliers, PCBA and Harnessing, whether it’s consigned or turnkey 
• Manage supplier base factories to ensure smooth transition from NPI rates to full production rates, including max capacity assessments, CAPEX NRE review and proposals, and manage supplier production line site changes to ensure qualification and upbring align with SpaceX production schedules 
• 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
• Supported commodities include 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 and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; OR 7+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
• Engineering
• Purchasing
• Contract negotiation
• Material or production planning
• Operations or supply chain management
• Material cost control
• Master production scheduling

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
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment. Capability to prioritize multiple on-going projects
• Strong track record for achieving results; must 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
• Demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous situations and across organizational boundaries. History of self-learning & application of newly learned tools & techniques
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position may require extended hours and/or weekend work when needed 
• Position may require travel up to 50%
• This position is based in Redmond, WA and is 100% onsite

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

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

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 [contact via apply link].