Sourcing Manager (Starlink Aviation)

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 (STARLINK AVIATION)

The Starlink Aviation team is developing in flight connectivity solutions for aircraft that connect to the Starlink constellation and provide an amazing customer experience in flight. As a Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for managing the supply chain for Starlink products across a variety of airframes and enterprise platforms. This position requires the ability to work with strategy, planning, engineering, finance, and legal teams, as well as third parties such as partners and suppliers. The role demands strong quantitative and analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. The ideal candidate will have a track record sourcing high‑mix, medium‑volume custom parts and assemblies, developing and executing strategy, negotiating agreements and statements of work, defining internal process flows, and improving efficiency, and managing supplier performance. Experience solving complex problems in new and ambiguous environments with cross‑functional stakeholders is key to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders, understanding their needs and consulting with them to build quality procurement strategies aligned to business requirements. Be the voice of reason and push engineering to make sound design decisions conducive to a high‑performing supply plan. Drive make vs. buy decisions for new products and implement the strategy across the product lifecycle from development, qualification, and first article runs through stable production. Manage contracts to ensure supplier performance to contract obligations and ensure delivery, including expediting as necessary and reacting quickly to demand changes. Manage all relevant master data in MRP to ensure accurate and complete information at all times. Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure demand signal accuracy and acceptable line of balance with supply. Drive culture and projects to align with Supplier Scorecard and leading indicators, such as PO acknowledgement, on‑time delivery, promise data usage, compliance, etc. Coordinate with engineering and quality organizations to direct and execute initiatives that support improvements in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, service levels, coordination, delivery, pricing, lead‑times, payment, risk compliance, and other areas as identified. Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to formulate a strategic sourcing plan that identifies new or suitable suppliers, optimizes cost structures, and proactively ensures continuity of supply based on market trends. Manage the supply base by implementing a supplier stratification model and executing a documented supplier management playbook. Build genuine relationships internally and externally to drive cross‑functional teams toward the best outcome for SpaceX. Understand the technical aspects of manufacturing processes and compliance landscape to identify opportunities and implement optimizations for cost, space, and process efficiency, using data analytics to identify opportunities. Communicate overall status to the management team, including schedules, risks, and mitigation actions, and respond quickly to changes to goals, schedule, and architecture. Execute purchasing transactions within scope by issuing purchase orders in a timely manner, resolve invoice issues, and ensure on‑time payment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in engineering, purchasing, contract negotiation, material or production planning, operations or supply chain management, material cost control, or master production scheduling; or 9+ years of applicable experience in lieu of a degree.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

3+ years of technical procurement experience in electronics or mechanical commodities, preferably in the aerospace industry. Experience with international and US domestic suppliers. Established relationships with aircraft component vendors. Knowledge of raw materials, machining, fabrication, PCBA, harnessing, or electro‑mechanical assemblies. Familiar with AS9100 and FAA requirements. Experience in a highly regulated environment. Experience in product development (EVT), new product introduction (NPI), and mass production (MP). Material management and CTB (Clear to Build) proficiency. Proven success in cross‑functional NPI projects, should‑cost modeling, and negotiation. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing/planning functions. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational, and organizational problems with risk‑based decision making. Detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast‑moving and changing environment. Ability to conduct activities with the highest level of integrity.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours and some nights and weekends when needed. Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours — up to 50% travel may be required, including international travel. Valid driver’s license.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: Sourcing Manager: $110,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX, which may include long‑term incentives, stock options, bonuses, and additional benefits such as medical, vision, dental, 401(k), disability, life insurance, parental leave, paid vacations, and holidays. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or an asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan or requiring reasonable accommodation should contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP