Supplier Development Engineer, PCB (Starlink)

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. SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, PCB (STARLINK) SpaceX is growing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink provides fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. Starlink is also looking to develop AI data centers in space and grow our Starlink Mobile (Direct to Cell) network with next-generation technology. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers to grow these programs, from initial concept development to full scale production. This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Satellites and Gateways. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing teams as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, supplier development engineers can see their assemblies come to life every day! RESPONSIBILITIES: Own continuity of supply for printed circuit boards (PCBs) on the Starlink program Collaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, and production teams to manage suppliers and deliver world class products for our customers Support procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier capabilities by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers Develop and implement supplier technical requirements and quality flow downs to meet hardware manufacturing needs Implement and monitor production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production Ensure qualification and reliability activities at suppliers are in line with requirements Develop and approve process controls to control critical characteristics Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and opportunities for defects Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps 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 Function as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues and to provide technical support Drive supplier root cause failure analysis and corrective actions associated with any quality gaps, escapes, or containments Lead projects and present reports to internal teams, management, and/or suppliers 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 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline Experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electrochemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication (school projects, clubs, or internship experience is applicable) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Advanced degree in engineering, business, or supply chain Electronics manufacturing experience, preferably with PCBs for high-speed / RF applications Working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, lean methods, etc.) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP) Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, e.g., SPC, design of experiments