Sr. Sourcing Specialist, Mechanical (Starshield)

SR. SOURCING SPECIALIST, MECHANICAL (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 own the demand planning and strategic sourcing that power the hardware for SpaceX’s next-generation satellite constellation. You’ll drive end-to-end supply chain execution for critical components used both on the satellites and in their production, balancing aggressive cost, quality, and lead-time targets while scaling production at unprecedented rates. At SpaceX we don’t just manage suppliers; we actively shape them, pushing the industry to higher standards of performance and reliability. Our department spans procurement, planning & fulfillment, supplier development & quality, logistics, and inventory. In this role you will operate at the center of that ecosystem, enabling the high-volume satellite factory of the future.

We move fast. If you thrive in a high-velocity environment and want your work on projects that directly impact the national security of the United States, this is your opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices related to assigned category
• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply signals to adjust incoming material
• Track high risk components and supplier delivery performance
• Communicate clearly and rapidly to influence decisions of vendors and senior leadership
• Interpret engineering drawings and Bill of Material (BOMs)
• Create sourcing strategies for all mechanical custom and Commercial Off the Self (COTS) hardware
• Develop a preferred supplier network and leverage it to minimize cost and lead time for the fabrication and delivery of parts
• Supported commodities include but are not limited to machined parts, electromechanical equipment, large machining, finish processes, mechanical assemblies, etc.
• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency
• Manage outsource fabrication projects including planning, coordinating with stakeholders, estimating completion, and manage vendor performance
• Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities
• Responsible for authoring of contract documents with the legal department
• Management of contracts ensuring performance of the supplier to contract obligations
• Understand interrelationships between contracts and terms while applying creativity and sound business reasoning to interpret application of contract to business needs
• Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings benefit while lowering risk

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or engineering; OR 5+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of professional experience in technical sourcing, procurement, or planning
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication, etc.
• Familiar with common material finishes and coatings, including paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment etc.
• Experience with Material Resource Planning (MRP) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and with managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders.
• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis
• Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL and PowerBI
• Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
• Ability to conduct all activities with integrity and urgency

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed, up to 25% travel
• Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends when needed
• This position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

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.