Sr. Supplier Development Engineer, Special Processes (Starlink Satellites)

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. SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, SPECIAL PROCESSES (STARLINK SATELLITES)

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Satellites.  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!

This is a highly technical position that requires practical experience with solar cells, chemical processing, plating, custom adhesives, thin film spray coatings, batteries, etc., to promote advanced technologies and break through technical hurtles in our supply base.  The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of these processes along with the desire and capability to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own and manage technical aspect of supply chain (one or more of: batteries, solar system, coatings, paint, adhesives, etc.) to execute supplier production (from new product introduction to full rate production)
• Own bring up of new production lines and tooling at suppliers to ensure materials, processes, and tools are capable of meeting product quality, cost, and delivery requirements
• Collaborate with Materials Engineering, Design, and Procurement to develop hardware requirements and own supplier selection through enhanced and targeted qualification procedures
• Support the Procurement team to strategically source hardware paired with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Review and assess supplier processes and quality systems. Develop supplier process methods and technologies to reduce risk and potential defect opportunities
• Develop and implement engineering specifications to control current and future processes
• As the technical expert, function as liaison between SpaceX stakeholders and suppliers to resolve suppliers’ technical challenges
• Continuously monitor the industry for improved process technologies. Implement new processes and materials into current and future satellite designs
• 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
• Implement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
• 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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering role with direct experience in special processes
• 3+ years of hands-on technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: chemical processing, plating, thin film and thermal spray coatings, precision cleaning, thermal protection systems, or nondestructive evaluation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is based in Redmond, WA and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 25-50% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver’s license <