Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical (Starlink Aviation)

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, MECHANICAL (STARLINK AVIATION) SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team. This is a technical position that requires practical experience with the materials, processes and parts used in mechanical assemblies for the aviation industry. The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of these products with the desire and capability to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission to Mars. RESPONSIBILITIES: Act as the technical point of contact, solving emergent challenges at suppliers and mitigating risk to the manufacturing system by addressing high-impact manufacturing and quality challenges Own outsourced parts from cradle to grave by conducting design for manufacturing (DFM) reviews to ensure manufacturability, industrializing processes, implementing the production part approval process (PPAP), and ramping suppliers to meet required production rates Partner with procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems Provide leadership for New Product Introduction (NPI) at suppliers Validate supplier corrective actions to ensure they are robust, sustainable, and implemented for similar potential concerns across manufacturing lines and/or suppliers Lead containment activities, working with cross-functional counterparts on scope, path forward, and ultimate resolution Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction and courage Drive for results and customer satisfaction by collaborating with teams, leading projects, and continuously driving improvement in the supply base BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a STEM discipline 1+ years of manufacturing, supply chain, or quality experience (collegiate extracurricular engineering projects such as lab projects, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly team, competitions, or internships qualify) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Ability to consistently make timely risk-based decisions in an ambiguous environment Master's degree in engineering or business Experience with quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP) Knowledge of quality processes - production part approval process (PPAP), advanced product quality planning (APQP), first article inspection reports (FAIR), metrology tools and concepts Knowledge of manufacturing processes and demonstrated history of implementing new production lines and process improvements Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem-solving approaches Experience with sharing information and influencing others across organizational lines, internally and externally Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and management and to communicate and direct supplier activities at the m