Sr. Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical (Starship)

Space Exploration Technologies•Hawthorne, CA

64d

About The Position

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. SpaceX demands a new type of supply chain as we drive towards humanity on Mars. We require our suppliers to provide premium quality with rapidly evolving designs at increasingly ambitious volumes. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools and have unrelenting motivation to enable suppliers for success. This position will support our Starship program and requires a combination of proven leadership and technical capabilities. This is a highly technical position that requires practical experience in manufacturing engineering and new product development through stabilized production for an array of fabrication processes (components and assemblies) used in rockets and rocket engines. The ideal candidate will have a broad and thorough understanding of component fabrication methodologies including machining, finishing, forming, welding, inspections, and other associated processes. This candidate must have the desire and capability to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission to Mars.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
5+ years of experience with manufacturing or processing engineering

Nice To Haves

Experience with manufacturing, machined parts, fabricated components, sheet metal, composites, and/or raw materials & special processes
Experience with assessing supplier technical capability both from an equipment, operations, and personnel perspective
Knowledge of supplier quality processes (Production Part Approval Process, Advanced Product Quality Planning, First Article Inspection Reports, etc.)
Disciplined approach to problem solving - i.e. 8D
Experience with quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100)
Experience with 3D modeling/CAD software, and engineering drawing creation
Experience with Pareto analysis, root cause, corrective action, and PFMEAs
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) experience
Knowledge of lean concepts
Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (Minitab, design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)
Ability to succinctly communicate status and needed actions, often urgently, to all levels of the organization
Experience with sharing information and influencing others (strong written and verbal communication skills, able to liaise cross functionally, internally and externally, make presentations to team members and management)
Ability to work extended hours, some nights and/or weekends when needed
Ability to travel: up to 40-50% work week travel
Valid driver's license

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned parts and assemblies of the rocket, solving emergent challenges at suppliers, and mitigating risk to the manifest by addressing high-impact manufacturing and quality challenges
Own the new product introduction of new parts and assemblies on the rocket, including determining the ideal manufacturing method, identifying and reviewing suppliers, and developing a reliable process for ramping to rate for parts that are new, undergoing drawing changes, or undergoing re-sourcing at a new supplier
Drive technical product improvements and related engineering drawing updates to reduce risk and potential defect opportunities as well as improve manufacturability, manufacturing lead times, and cost
Review issues on assigned parts and solve to the root cause, implementing changes at the supplier, at SpaceX or both, as appropriate, drive further actions to closure, and re-source to new suppliers where appropriate
Create and disposition issue tickets where needed, working with engineering counterparts to implement, but not limited to, required re-work, repair or use as-is disposition
Lead containment activities on assigned parts, working with cross-functional counterparts to agree on scope, path forward and ultimate resolution
Work with procurement to find exceptional suppliers and vet them appropriately for quality and ability to meet our aggressive takt times
Review and assess supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems, providing feedback as appropriate and manage supplier improvements
Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction and courage to push the technical envelope which is conventionally held in the industry.
Become thoroughly familiar with your assigned parts and the processes that make up the overall assembly and become the primary point of contact for supply chain related defects on your parts

Benefits

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, stock options, 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.

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