Sourcing Manager; Starlink Aviation

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.

SOURCING MANAGER (STARLINK AVIATION)

The Starlink Aviation team is developing in flight connectivity solutions for aircraft that connect to the Starlink constellation and provide an amazing customer experience in flight. As a Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for managing the supply chain for Starlink products across a variety of airframes and enterprise platforms. This position requires the ability to work with strategy, planning, engineering, finance, and legal teams, as well as third parties such as partners and suppliers.

The role demands strong quantitative and analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. The ideal candidate will have a track record sourcing high‑mix, medium‑volume custom parts and assemblies, developing and executing strategy, negotiating agreements and statements of work, defining internal process flows, and improving efficiency, and managing supplier performance. Experience solving complex problems in new and ambiguous environments with cross‑functional stakeholders is key to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders, understanding their needs and consulting with them to build quality procurement strategies aligned to business requirements.
• Be the voice of reason and push engineering to make sound design decisions conducive to a high‑performing supply plan.
• Drive make vs. buy decisions for new products and implement the strategy across the product lifecycle from development, qualification, and first article runs through stable production.
• Manage contracts to ensure supplier performance to contract obligations and ensure delivery, including expediting as necessary and reacting quickly to demand changes.
• Manage all relevant master data in MRP to ensure accurate and complete information at all times. Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure demand signal accuracy and acceptable line of balance with supply.
• Drive culture and projects to align with Supplier Scorecard and leading indicators, such as PO acknowledgement, on‑time delivery, promise data usage, compliance, etc.
• Coordinate with engineering and quality organizations to direct and execute initiatives that support improvements in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, service levels, coordination, delivery, pricing, lead‑times, payment, risk compliance, and other areas as identified.
• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to formulate a strategic sourcing plan that identifies new or suitable suppliers, optimizes cost structures, and proactively ensures continuity of supply based on market trends.
• Manage the supply base by implementing a supplier stratification model and executing a documented supplier management playbook.
• Build genuine relationships internally and externally to drive cross‑functional teams toward the best outcome for Space
  
  X.
• Understand the technical aspects of manufacturing processes and compliance landscape to identify opportunities and implement optimizations for cost, space, and process efficiency, using data analytics to identify opportunities.
• Communicate overall status to the management team, including schedules, risks, and mitigation actions, and respond quickly to changes to goals, schedule, and architecture.
• Execute purchasing transactions within scope by issuing purchase orders in a timely manner, resolve invoice issues, and ensure on‑time payment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in engineering, purchasing, contract negotiation, material or production planning, operations or supply chain management, material cost control, or master production scheduling; or 9+ years of applicable experience in lieu of a degree.

PREFERRED

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of technical procurement experience in electronics or mechanical commodities, preferably in the aerospace industry.
• Experie…