Supplier Development Engineer, PCB/PCBA (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA 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, PCB/PCBA (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 the demand plan and sourcing for hardware used on, and in the making of, the Starshield satellite constellation. Our team moves quickly and you must too. SpaceX has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers to be better with us as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality and speed of execution. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics and inventory. This role's scope will help enable production rates in the satellite factory of the future! This is a high‑profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Satellites and 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, supplier development engineers are able to see their assemblies come to life every day! Responsibilities Own continuity of supply for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and components on the Starshield program Collaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, and production teams to manage suppliers and deliver world class products for our customers Support procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier capabilities by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers Develop and implement supplier technical requirements and quality flow downs to meet hardware manufacturing needs Implement and monitor production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production Ensure qualification and reliability activities at suppliers are in line with requirements Develop and approve process controls to control critical characteristics Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and opportunities for defects Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps to drive supplier improvement plans Provide feedback to suppliers as appropriate on manufacturing methods, with a specific focus on eliminating costs, reducing cycle times, and increasing yields Function as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues and provide technical support Drive supplier root cause failure analysis and corrective actions associated with any quality gaps, escapes, or containments Lead projects and present reports to internal teams, management, and/or suppliers Act 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 cost Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline Experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electrochemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication (including school projects, clubs, or internships) Preferred Skills and Experience Advanced degree in engineering, business, or supply chain Working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, lean methods, etc.) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP) Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, e.g., SPC, design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc. Disciplined approach to problem solving – 8D Electronics manufacturing experience, preferably with PCBs for high‑speed / RF applications Experience with sharing information and influencing others across organizational lines, internally and externally Ability to work in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment with minimal oversight and learn new skills on‑the‑job quickly and efficiently Ability to identify and maintain priorities for tasks and projects while staying organized Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and management Additional Requirements Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines Ability to travel: Up to 25–60% travel required (domestic and international) Valid driver’s license Compensation and Benefits Pay range: Supplier Development Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year Supplier Development Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP