Supplier Development Engineer, Harnessing (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.SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, HARNESSING (STARLINK)SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennas that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best-in-class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.This is a high-profile, cross-functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Starlink 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.RESPONSIBILITIES:Own continuity of supply and improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for Cables, Connectors, and Harnessing used in Starlink SatellitesCollaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intentReview and approve package substrate fabrication technology, assembly processes, and quality control plansSupport the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systemsIdentify, audit, and onboard new suppliersCreate, define, and implement supplier technical and quality requirements based on program requirements and expectations for NPI and production phasesLead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, production, and suppliersDefine product technical requirements, and ensure supplier compliance with these requirementsImplement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate productionEnsure qualification and reliability activities at suppliers are in line with requirementsAnalyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plansProvide feedback to suppliers as appropriate on manufacturing methods, with a specific focus on eliminating costs, reducing cycle times, and increasing yieldsWork with SpaceX and supplier engineering to set standards for DPPM, Failure-In-Time (FIT), and Mean Time to Failure (MTTF)Identify and drive product & process improvements to lower part cost, reduce supply risk, eliminate potential defects, and improve cycle timeEffectively manage mission-critical supply chain by establishing excellent working relationships and regular lines of communication with suppliersDemonstrate a strong sense of extreme ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, and self-directionFunction as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues and to provide technical supportCollaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply baseAct as internal owner of supplier’s statistical process control (SPC), yield improvement activities, new tool/process qualification, and performance in terms of quality, efficiency, and costBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in an engineering disciplineExperience with electronics manufacturing, including copper or fiber harnessing, cable manufacturing, and/or associated connectorsPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or supply chain3+ years of experience in one of the following: supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, manufacturing, design engineeringProven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive resultsStrong working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, DOEs, six sigma, lean methods, 8D etc.) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)Knowledge of lean, production, and supply chain conceptsExceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skillsAdvanced use of Excel and Minitab (or equivalent); basic proficiency with SQL and database structuresStrong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and managementAbility to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environmentADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical deadlinesAbility to travel: Up to 60% work week travel may be requiredValid driver’s licenseCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay Range:Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00Level 2: $115,000.00 - $165,000.00Your 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.