Sourcing Manager (Starlink Aviation)

SpaceX•Woodinville, WA

17h•$115,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Starlink Aviation team develops in-flight connectivity solutions for aircraft that connect to the Starlink constellation. The Sourcing Manager manages the supply chain for Starlink products across a variety of airframes and enterprise platforms, helping build an agile, robust supply chain that supports the company’s competitive advantage. The position works with strategy, planning, engineering, finance, and legal teams, as well as third-party partners and suppliers. It requires strong quantitative and analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. The successful candidate will have experience sourcing high-mix, medium-volume custom parts and assemblies; developing and executing strategy; negotiating agreements and statements of work; defining internal processes and improving efficiency; and managing supplier performance. Experience working in new and ambiguous environments and solving complex problems with cross-functional stakeholders is important. The role includes developing procurement strategies, guiding make-versus-buy decisions, managing supplier contracts and performance, maintaining MRP data, coordinating supply and demand, improving supplier quality and delivery, analyzing suppliers and markets, managing the supply base, communicating status and risks, and executing purchasing transactions. Extended hours and some nights and weekends may be required. Travel of up to 50% of the work week may be required, including international travel.

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 9 years of experience in one or more of these areas in lieu of a degree.
Ability to work extended hours and some nights and weekends when needed.
Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours; travel of up to 50% of the work week may be required, including international travel.
Valid driver’s license.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational, and organizational problems using risk-based decision making.
Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving, changing environment.
Ability to conduct all activities with the highest level of integrity.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of technical procurement experience in electronics or mechanical commodities, preferably in aerospace.
Experience working with international and U.S. domestic suppliers.
Established relationships and familiarity with aircraft component vendors.
Knowledge of raw materials, machining, fabrication, PCBA, harnessing, or electromechanical assemblies.
Familiarity with AS9100 and FAA requirements, and experience in a highly regulated environment.
Experience in product development (EVT), new product introduction (NPI), and mass production (MP).
Material management and Clear to Build (CTB) proficiency.
Proven success on cross-functional new product introduction projects, completing should-cost models, and negotiating.
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing and planning functions.

Responsibilities

Develop relationships with internal stakeholders, understand their needs, and build procurement strategies aligned with business requirements.
Advise engineering on design decisions that support an effective supply plan.
Drive make-versus-buy decisions for new products and implement sourcing strategies through development, qualification, first-article runs, and stable production.
Manage supplier contracts and performance, ensure delivery, expedite when needed, and respond to demand changes.
Maintain accurate and complete MRP master data and partner with cross-functional teams to improve demand-signal accuracy and line of balance with supply.
Promote supplier scorecard practices and leading indicators, including purchase-order acknowledgement, on-time delivery, promise-data usage, and compliance.
Coordinate with engineering and quality teams on supplier quality, cost, service, coordination, delivery, pricing, lead times, payment, risk compliance, and other improvement initiatives.
Analyze suppliers to develop strategic sourcing plans, identify suitable suppliers, optimize cost structures, and ensure continuity of supply in light of market and industry trends.
Manage the supply base using a supplier stratification model and documented supplier-management playbook.
Build internal and external relationships and drive cross-functional teams toward effective outcomes.
Understand manufacturing processes and compliance requirements, identify opportunities to optimize cost, space, and processes, and use data analytics to identify process improvements.
Communicate status, schedules, risks, and mitigation actions to management, and respond to changes in goals, schedules, and architecture.
Execute purchasing transactions by issuing accurate purchase orders on time, resolving invoice issues, and ensuring timely payment.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives, including company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount.
Medical insurance.
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
Up to 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave under company policy.