Supplier Development Engineer, Manufacturing (Raptor)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

6d • $100,000 - $160,000

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to support its Raptor program. This highly technical position requires practical experience in manufacturing engineering and new product development through stabilized production for fabrication processes used in rockets and rocket engines. The role combines leadership and technical capabilities to help suppliers deliver premium quality as designs evolve and production volumes increase. The ideal candidate understands component fabrication methods such as machining, finishing, forming, welding, and inspection, and is motivated to take on unfamiliar challenges in support of SpaceX’s mission to Mars.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience in manufacturing or process engineering.
• Ability to work extended hours, including some nights and/or weekends when needed.
• Ability to travel up to 40–50% of the work week.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with manufacturing, machined parts, fabricated components, sheet metal, composites, raw materials, and/or special processes.
• Experience assessing supplier technical capability from equipment, operations, and personnel perspectives.
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes such as Production Part Approval Process, Advanced Product Quality Planning, and First Article Inspection Reports.
• Disciplined problem-solving approach, such as 8D.
• Experience with quality systems such as ISO 9000, TS, or AS9100.
• Experience with 3D modeling/CAD software and engineering drawing creation.
• Experience with Pareto analysis, root cause analysis, corrective action, and PFMEAs.
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) experience.
• Knowledge of lean concepts.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, such as Minitab, design of experiments, and Six Sigma.
• Ability to communicate status and needed actions succinctly and urgently to all organizational levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including cross-functional collaboration, influencing others, and presenting to team members and management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned rocket parts and assemblies, resolve supplier challenges, and mitigate risks to the manifest.
• Own new product introduction for parts and assemblies, including selecting manufacturing methods, identifying and reviewing suppliers, and developing reliable production ramp-up processes.
• Drive product improvements and engineering drawing updates to reduce risk and defects and improve manufacturability, lead times, and cost.
• Investigate issues on assigned parts, identify root causes, implement solutions at suppliers or SpaceX, track actions to closure, and re-source when appropriate.
• Create and disposition issue tickets in collaboration with engineering counterparts, including required rework, repair, or use-as-is dispositions.
• Lead containment activities with cross-functional counterparts, agreeing on scope, path forward, and resolution.
• Work with procurement to identify and vet suppliers for quality and ability to meet aggressive takt times.
• Assess supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems, provide feedback, and manage supplier improvements.
• Become thoroughly familiar with assigned parts and their production processes and serve as the primary supply-chain contact for defects on those parts.
• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction, and willingness to push beyond conventional industry practices.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level