Sourcing Manager, Raw Materials (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, RAW MATERIALS (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. 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 for Starlink production, with a tight focus on Starlink batteries and their constituent raw materials. 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. The successful candidate will partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Unit leadership to ensure continuity of supply, deliver sustainable cost improvements, and support the company's growth and profitability objectives. This position requires a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to navigate complex global supply markets while building collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and key suppliers. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the raw material strategy, sourcing, and supplier management activities for various raw materials
• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that align with business objectives and incorporate market intelligence, supplier segmentation, risk management, sustainability initiatives, and total cost optimization
• Deliver annual procurement value through cost reduction programs, productivity initiatives, risk mitigation activities, supply assurance programs, and working capital improvements
• Monitor global commodity markets, supplier performance, geopolitical developments, and industry trends to proactively identify risks and opportunities that impact business performance
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including market assessments, supplier evaluations, RFQ events, negotiations, and contract awards
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, innovation, and sustainability performance
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, and legal to ensure sourcing strategies are aligned with business requirements and operational needs
• Champion supplier relationship management activities, including executive business reviews, performance scorecards, corrective action plans, and long-term strategic partnerships
• Utilize spend analytics, market intelligence, and procurement systems to identify sourcing opportunities and support data-driven decision-making
• Influence key stakeholders and senior leadership by preparing and presenting category strategies, market updates, supplier recommendations, and sourcing outcomes
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, governance requirements, and ethical sourcing standards

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or 9+ years engineering in lieu of a degree  

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Experience with MRP or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, as well as, 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 environments 
• 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:  

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines 
• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours 
• Ability to travel: up to 20-50% of work week 
• Must be able to work onsite in Redmond, WA.  Remote work not considered.   

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Sourcing Manager: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 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 [email protected].