Supplier Development Engineer, PCBA (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is leveraging its experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. This role plays an integral role in enabling the development and production flow of Starlink Satellites. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing departments as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative, and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
Experience with photonics or electronics manufacturing, including photonic piece-part components (pumps, fiber, lenses, combiners, isolators, and/or filters); OR wire bonding, active alignment, fiber splicing, OR PCBA manufacturing.
3+ years of experience in one of the following: supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, manufacturing, design engineering

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in an engineering discipline, business, or supply chain
6+ years of experience in one of the following: supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, manufacturing, design engineering
Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive results
Working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, DOEs, six sigma, lean methods, 8D etc.) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
Knowledge of lean, production, and supply chain concepts
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and management
Ability to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environment

Responsibilities

Own continuity of supply and improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for photonic piece-part components and optical subassemblies used in Starlink Satellites
Collaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intent
Support the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers
Create, define, and implement supplier technical and quality requirements based on program requirements and expectations for NPI and production phases
Lead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, production, and suppliers
Define product technical requirements, and ensure supplier compliance with these requirements
Implement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
Ensure qualification and reliability activities at suppliers are in line with requirements
Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plans
Provide feedback to suppliers as appropriate on manufacturing methods, with a specific focus on eliminating costs, reducing cycle times, and increasing yields
Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrology
Identify and drive product & process improvements to lower part cost, reduce supply risk, eliminate potential defects, and improve cycle time
Effectively manage mission-critical supply chain by establishing excellent working relationships and regular lines of communication with suppliers
Demonstrate a strong sense of extreme ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, and self-direction
Function as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues and to provide technical support
Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply base
Act as internal owner of supplier’s statistical process control (SPC), yield improvement activities, new tool/process qualification, and performance in terms of quality, efficiency, and cost

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick time (in compliance with state and federal law for employees in Washington State)
Company shuttles from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office