Manufacturing Engineer - Supplier Development (Starlink Gateway)

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.MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT (STARLINK GATEWAY)This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of our Starlink Gateways. 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, our manufacturing engineers are able to see their assemblies come to life every day!RESPONSIBILITIES:Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starlink satellite systemsCollaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intentSupport the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systemsCreate and define supplier technical and quality requirements based on customer and 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 productionAnalyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plansConduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrologyIdentify 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 ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courageCollaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply baseBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM discipline2+ years of experience in one of the following: manufacturing, supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, or design engineering (internship experience is applicable)PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master’s degree in engineering, business, or supply chainManufacturing experience in an area such as CNC, Injection Molding, Castings, etc.Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive resultsKnowledge of statistical techniques and methods (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) principles and applicationsKnowledge of metrology tools and techniques for measuring and characterizing mechanical partsKnowledge of lean, production, and supply chain conceptsExceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skillsAbility to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environmentADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Position is based in Bastrop, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not consideredMust be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlinesAbility to travel: Up to 25-50% work week travel may be requiredValid driver’s licenseITAR 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.