Sourcing Manager, Electronics (Starshield)

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, ELECTRONICS (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

As a member of the Starshield Supply Chain team, you will manage sourcing for electronics used on Starshield satellites. Our team moves quickly, and you must too. SpaceX has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers to be better partners as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality, and speed of execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and manage the supply base for electronic components required across Starshield satellites
• Work directly with key suppliers to develop and implement sourcing and cost-management strategies that support existing platforms and new product development
• Evaluate demand while placing and managing purchase orders according to demand signals
• Track delivery and supplier delivery performance
• Provide guidance to internal engineering customers on recommended suppliers
• Act as the supplier interface for all RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs
• Monitor global industry trends, track technology roadmaps, and partner with design teams to identify and mitigate supply and demand challenges
• Partner with internal resources to drive adoption of low-cost parts and avoidance of obsolescence
• Visit supplier facilities and accurately assess operational capability, financial health, and capacity in order to award contracts in support of new product development and long-term production
• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis, including strategic direction, capacity, market and industry position, and risk assessment
• Manage costs to ensure alignment with program budgets
• Present value propositions to executives, including those related to contract awards, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies, and critical supply issues
• Work with supply chain engineers to develop requirements for both NPI and production phases
• Negotiate contracts to ensure continuity of supply and protect SpaceX interests

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
  • Technical procurement or planning experience with raw material commodities

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 6+ years of procurement experience in direct commodity sourcing
• Technical procurement or planning experience with electronic components, PCBs, or PCBAs
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and mass production (MP)
• Experience reading technical drawings, data sheets, fabrication drawings, BOMs, and related files
• Drive piece-price and tooling negotiations so commodity pricing meets best-in-class expectations while maintaining best-in-class quality, and drive continual cost reduction and avoidance through ad hoc price negotiations
• Address all areas of category management, including category business plans, market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies
• Proven track record of taking ownership, successfully negotiating preferred pricing, and driving results
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving, ever-changing environment
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Conducts all activities with the highest level of integrity
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the work week as needed, including international travel
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet production targets
• This position is based in Hawthorne, CA, and requires being onsite. Remote work is not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00

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, 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 [email protected].