Supplier Development Engineer, Materials & Metals; Starship

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Starship needs a supply base that can hold quality while designs change and rates go up. This role is the technical owner for materials and metals at our suppliers — raw material, processing, and special processes that fly on the vehicle.

Youwilltakehardwarefromnewproductdevelopmentthroughstableproductionacrossmetalprocessing,finishing,welding,heat treatment,inspection,andrelatedprocesses.

Youneedarealmaterialsormetallurgyfoundation,judgmentontheshopfloor,andthewillingnesstopickupunfamiliarworkwhenthemissionrequiresit.

• Serveasthetechnicalpointofcontactformaterialscommoditiesandprocesses,includingrawmaterial,welding,heat treatment,and finishing/coating
• Owndevelopmentofraw-materialcommoditiesandrelatedproducts:selectthemanufacturingmethod,identifyandvetsuppliers,andbuildaprocessthatcanramptorate
• Solveemergentsupplierissuesthatthreatenthemanifest—high-impact materials,processing,manufacturing,andqualityproblems
• Leadcontainmentonmaterialsandprocessescapes:scopetherisk,alignonapathwithengineeringandsupplychain,anddriveittoclose
• Gettorootcauseonmaterialsandprocessingissues;implementfixesatthesupplier,atthe company,orboth
• Createanddispositionissueticketswithengineeringcounterparts(rework,repair,oruse-as-is)
• Driverequirementanddrawingchangesthatcutdefectrisk,improvemanufacturability,andreduceleadtimeandcost
• Partnerwithprocurementtofindcapablesuppliersandassessthemforqualityandtakt
• Reviewsuppliermanufacturingprocessesandqualitysystems;pushimprovementsandownfollow-through
• Bethe supply-chainownerformaterials-and process-relateddefectsonyourcommodities

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering, metallurgy, or metallurgical engineering
• 1+ years of experience with R&D, manufacturing, or processing engineering role

• Experience with manufacturing, raw materials, special processes, castings, forgings, or sheet metal
• Experience with assessing supplier technical capability from an equipment, operations, and personnel perspective
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, etc.)
• Disciplined approach to problem solving (8D, Pareto, root cause, corrective action, PFMEA, etc.)
• Experience with quality systems (ISO 9000//AS9100)
• Knowledge of lean concepts and statistical methods (Minitab, DOE, Six Sigma)
• Ability to clearly communicate with all levels of the organization
• Ability to influence across functions, internally and at the supplier

• Ability to work extended hours, some nights and/or weekends when needed
• Ability to travel: up to 40-50% work week travel
• Valid driver’s license

Pay Range:

Level 1: $ - $Level 2: $ - $

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at the company. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company is governed on the basis of merit, competence and…