Sourcing Manager, Mechanical (Starshield)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

18h•$120,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of SpaceX’s Starshield Supply Chain team, the Sourcing Manager, Mechanical owns demand planning and strategic sourcing for hardware supporting SpaceX’s next-generation satellite constellation. The role drives end-to-end supply chain execution for critical components used on satellites and in their production, balancing cost, quality, and lead-time targets while supporting rapid production scale-up. The position works across procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, and inventory to enable high-volume satellite manufacturing. The Sourcing Manager works closely with suppliers and internal engineering and production teams to plan and execute sourcing strategies, support new product development and production builds, and ensure parts are available and clear to build. The role also supports compliance with government and commercial contracts and helps mission managers with contract performance. The position is based onsite in Hawthorne, California; remote work is not considered.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 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; alternatively, at least 7 years of experience in one or more of these areas.
May need to work irregular hours with global suppliers in different time zones.
Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed.
Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends when needed.
Must work onsite in Hawthorne, California; remote work is not considered.

Nice To Haves

At least 6 years of experience in procurement, manufacturing, or related supply chain disciplines.
Experience with mechanical and/or special-process manufacturers and suppliers.
Experience managing outsourcing contract manufacturing partners.
Track record of ownership and successful NPI sourcing strategy development and execution in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in technical procurement, product development, NPI, manufacturing, and negotiation with diverse suppliers in electronics, mechanicals, and contract manufacturing.
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving and changing environment.
Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies with key suppliers for existing platforms and new product development.
Serve as the supplier interface for RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
Manage costs to meet project-specific budgets and forecasts.
Develop should-cost models for competitive cost analysis.
Ensure suppliers have the equipment and materials needed to support prototype builds, product development, ramp-up, and mass production.
Drive internal and external process improvements and implement supplier cost-saving programs.
Develop, manage, and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
Use analytical data management tools to manage supplier performance.
Ensure all purchased parts are clear to build for Starshield programs.
Work with engineering and production to identify a reliable supply base for prototype builds, design changes, and production builds.
Own end-to-end supply chain activities, including sourcing strategies, vendor selection and capacity, contract negotiation, part procurement, delivery tracking, budget planning, and cross-functional communication.
Ensure compliance with government and commercial contracts and assist mission managers with contract performance.
Conduct sourcing analysis and develop sourcing plans covering strategic direction, supply roadmaps, price trends, market and industry position, and risk assessment.
Prepare, issue, and analyze RFx packages; document commercial terms and use scalable processes for vendor selection, pricing analysis, risk assessment, and decision metrics.
Survey supplier facilities and assess technical capability, equipment, and capacity for rapid deployment in support of new product development and production.
Act as the Starshield supply chain resource for engineering and manufacturing stakeholders and execute strategies for supplier value, NPI sourcing plans, make-versus-buy analysis, and lead-time optimization.
Participate in design reviews, change-control meetings, and technical discussions with engineering partners.
Participate in design-for-manufacturing reviews with engineering and prospective suppliers, driving decisions based on cost and source reliability.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy.