Manager, Starshield Supply Chain

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

As a member of the Starshield Supply Chain team, you will support a group of engineers to plan, source, and fulfill mechanical components that are critical to the production of the Starshield constellation. Our team moves quickly, and you must too. SpaceX has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers to be better partners as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality, and speed of execution.

• →Lead a team of sourcing specialists, sourcing managers, and/or global supply managers to ensure continuity of supply for all hardware within the scope of ownership
• →Drive improvement, standardization, and scalability of operational planning, workflow, tools, and resources
• →Assess employee performance, provide positive and constructive feedback, facilitate conflict resolution, and address repeat issues with corrective actions, performance improvement plans, or disciplinary means
• →Own vision and strategy for assigned categories through NPI and production phases. Methods may include, but are not limited to: cost management, contract negotiations, supplier development, supplier performance management, industry research, and long-term strategic sourcing
• →Visit supplier facilities and accurately assess operational capability, financial health, and capacity in order to award contracts in support of new product development and long-term production
• →Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis, including strategic direction, capacity, market and industry position, and risk assessment
• →Collaborate with stakeholders to define service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) for suppliers and evaluate performance across critical metrics: business outcomes, cost savings, quality, and delivery timeliness
• →Present value propositions to SpaceX executives, including those related to contract awards, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies, and critical supply issues
• →Provide guidance to internal customers on design for manufacturability and trade analysis for mechanical components and assemblies, onboarding requirements, and quality
• →Ensure partners are prepared to support all prototype builds with appropriate equipment and materials for successful product development, ramp-up, and production
• →Negotiate long-term contracts to ensure continuity of supply and protect SpaceX interests

• Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following, or 10+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Purchasing or procurement
  • Material or production planning
  • Operations or supply chain management
  • Engineering
  • Master production scheduling
• 3+ years of experience in a management role with direct reports

• Experience sharing information and influencing others across organizational lines, internally and externally
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members, internal customers, and senior management
• Demonstrated exceptional achievements at SpaceX and/or previous companies to execute improvement projects quickly, while maintaining product reliability and mission success
• Experience directly negotiating contracts
• Experience sourcing suppliers
• Prior formal people leadership experience
• Organized and self-driven, capable of working independently with little direction
• Ability to conduct all activities with integrity and urgency

• Must be able to travel for short and extended trips as needed; up to 50%
• Must be able to work long hours and weekends as needed
• Must be able to work onsite in Hawthorne, CA. Remote work is not considered.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.