Sr. Sourcing Specialist (Starlink Gateways)

At SpaceX, we're revolutionizing the space industry and beyond, with ambitious projects like US-based human spaceflight, rapid vehicle reusability, and internet services through our Starlink constellation. As a critical player in our operations, the SpaceX Supply Chain team is a driving force in our success by managing an agile, yet robust, supply chain network that enables a competitive advantage for the company. Our team is responsible for procurement, planning, fulfillment, supplier development, quality, logistics, and inventory management - all of which are crucial to achieving our growth targets, ultimately contributing to a future where humanity is a multi-planetary species.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Develop and manage a domestic and international supply base to support outsourced parts and materials used to produce mechanical and electrical components through new product introduction (NPI) and production phases
• Work directly with key suppliers to develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies that support existing platforms and new product development 
• Provide guidance to internal customers on design for manufacturability and trade analysis for mechanical and electrical components, onboarding requirements, and quality
• Act as the supplier interface for all request for information (RFI), request for proposal (RFP) and request for quotation (RFQ)
• Monitor global industry trends, track technology roadmaps, and actively partner with the Design teams to identify/mitigate supply and demand challenges
• Partner with internal resources to drive adoption of low-cost parts and avoidance of obsolescence
• Visit supplier facilities and accurately assess operational capability, financial health, and capacity to award contracts in support of new product development and long-term production
• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis, including strategic direction, capacity, market and industry position, and risk assessment
• Manage costs to ensure alignment with program budget
• Present value propositions to executives, including those related to contract award, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies, and critical supply issues 
• Work with supply chain engineers to develop requirements for both NPI and production phases 
• Negotiate contracts to ensure continuity of supply and protect SpaceX interests

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Advanced degree or bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant professional and/or internship experience working in one or more of the following, or 6+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
  • Engineering
  • Purchasing
  • Contract negotiation
  • Material or production planning
  • Operations or supply chain management
  • Material cost control
  • Master production scheduling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in supply chain or an engineering discipline
• 7+ years of procurement experience in automotive, aerospace, industrial, or electronics materials sourcing 
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and mass production (MP)
• Experience reading technical drawings, data sheets, fabrication drawing, BOMs and all related files
• Experience with piece price and tooling negotiation processes
• Experience in all areas of category management including category business plans, market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies
• Proven track record of taking ownership, successfully negotiating preferred pricing and driving results
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours: Up to 50% travel in work week
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines
• This role requires on-site presence, remote work not considered