Sourcing Manager, Connectors; Starlink

Space

X 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 Space

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

One of the most ambitious missions that Space

X has undertaken to date, the Starlink constellation is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world. The Starlink Supply Chain Department is looking for a Sourcing Manager to support the Redmond, WA production facility. To capitalize on our technical and market success, our team will execute large‑scale projects that will define the bottom‑line for the Starlink program. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, inventory management, negotiation of supplier contracts and pricing, and developing the commodity strategy.

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 engineering and manufacturing departments, executing effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in‑house, sourcing specialists are able to see their assemblies come to life every day!

• Supported commodities include but are not limited to connectors, pins/contacts, cables/harnesses, back shells, studs, related connector accessories, etc.
• Create sourcing strategies for assigned connector suppliers, PCBA and harnessing, whether it’s consigned or turnkey.
• Manage supplier base factories to ensure smooth transition from NPI rates to full production rates, including max capacity assessments, CAPEX NRE review and proposals, and manage supplier production line site changes to ensure qualification and upbring align with Space
  
  X production schedules.
• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices related to assigned category.
• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply signals to adjust incoming material.
• Track high‑risk components and supplier delivery performance.
• Communicate clearly and rapidly to influence decisions of vendors and senior leadership.
• Interpret engineering drawings and BOMs.
• Create sourcing strategies for all mechanical custom and COTS hardware.
• Develop a preferred supplier network and leverage it to minimize cost and lead time for the fabrication and delivery of parts.
• Supported commodities include but are not limited to machined parts, electromechanical equipment, large machining, finish processes, mechanical assemblies, etc.
• Solve complex, open‑ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency.
• Manage outsource fabrication projects including planning, coordinating with stakeholders, estimating completion, and manage vendor performance.
• Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities.
• Responsible for authoring of contract documents with the legal department.
• Management of contracts ensuring performance of the supplier to contract obligations.
• Understand interrelationships between contracts and terms while applying creativity and sound business reasoning to interpret application of contract to business needs.
• Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings benefit while lowering risk.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; OR
• 7+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
  • Engineering
  • Purchasing
  • Contract negotiation
  • Material or production planning
  • Operations or supply chain management
  • Material cost control
  • Master production scheduling

• Experience with MRP or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and with managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders.
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis.
• Detail‑oriented, self‑motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast‑moving and ever‑changing environment. Capability to prioritize multiple on‑going projects.
• Strong track record for achieving…