Sr. Supplier Development Engineer, Aviation (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.

SR. SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, AVIATION (STARLINK)

SpaceX demands a new type of supply chain for our newest project, Starlink. We require our suppliers to provide premium quality with rapidly evolving designs at increasingly ambitious volumes. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of NPI manufacturing and quality tools and have unrelenting motivation to enable suppliers for success.

This is a technical position that requires practical experience in the area of specialty with the materials, processes and parts used in mechanical assemblies for aerospace products. The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of these products with the desire and capability to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Act as the technical point of contact, solving emergent challenges at suppliers and mitigating risk to the manufacturing system by addressing high-impact manufacturing and quality challenges

• Conduct design for manufacturing (DFM) reviews to ensure manufacturability
• Provide leadership for New Product Introduction (NPI) at suppliers
• Identify, audit and onboard new suppliers; perform surveillance and diagnostic audits on incumbent suppliers
• Industrialize new materials and/or processes by collaborating with suppliers to implement the required capital improvements and develop their capability to scale-up these new technologies including part qualification (PPAP)
• Collaborate with Design, Quality, Manufacturing, and Certification teams to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
• Validate supplier corrective actions involving design and/or process changes to ensure they are robust, sustainable, and implemented for similar potential concerns across manufacturing lines and/or suppliers.
• Lead containment activities, working with cross-functional counterparts on scope, path forward and ultimate resolution
• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction and courage
• Drive for results and customer satisfaction by collaborating with teams, leading projects, and continuously driving improvement in the supply base

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or a STEM discipline
• 5+ years of manufacturing, mechanical, supply chain, or business project experience (school projects, clubs, or internships qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to consistently make timely risk-based decisions in an ambiguous environment
• Experience working in highly regulated environments with experience working under FAA oversight and with AS9100 preferred
• Familiarity with FAA procedures and processes such as Supplemental Type Certifications (STC) and Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA)
• Deep understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), machining processes, and harness manufacturing. Previous experience with aviation components.
• Ability to communicate and direct supplier activities at the management level
• Knowledge of quality processes - production part approval process (PPAP), advanced product quality planning (APQP), first article inspection reports (FAIR), metrology tools and concepts etc
• Experience with quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, e.g., design of experiments, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), etc
• Knowledge of Lean concepts
• Experience with sharing information and influencing others across organizational lines, internally and externally
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and management
• Experience with MRP or ERP systems
• Master’s degree in engineering or business
• Experience with high volume manufacturing

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to work extended hours, some nights and weekends when required to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: average of 25-40% travel, possibly on short notice; valid driver’s license mandatory

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:             

Pay range:         
Supplier Development Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on t