Manufacturing Engineer - Supplier Development, Optics & Optomechanical Systems (Starlink)

About the role

SpaceX is developing 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 will provide 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. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. Laser communication is a highly valuable technology due to the high data bandwidth and high spatial efficiency, which requires engineering precise and high-performance electro-optical and optomechanical systems.

This role is for a Supplier Development Engineer embedded within the Space Lasers team, supporting the internal engineering and manufacturing teams. You will be responsible for building and scaling a highly technical supply base for the free-space optical communication system design.

Your direct impact and optical/mechanical expertise will help shape SpaceX's capabilities to transmit high-rate data around the world via laser communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starlink satellite and ground station systems
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intent
• Drive design for manufacturing feedback and best practices with peer teams for efficient and highly scalable production designs
• Support the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Create and define supplier technical and quality requirements based on customer and program requirements and expectations for NPI and production phases
• Lead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, production, and suppliers
• Define product technical requirements, and ensure supplier compliance with these requirements
• Implement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plans
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrology
• Identify and drive product & process improvements to lower part cost, reduce supply risk, eliminate potential defects, and improve cycle time
• Effectively manage mission-critical supply chain by establishing excellent working relationships and regular lines of communication with suppliers
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply base

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and/or process engineering role (internship experience is applicable)
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design, manufacturing, or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in optics, engineering, business, or supply chain
• Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive results
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Knowledge of lean, production, and supply chain concepts
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environment

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 25-60% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver's license

Pay Range

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00

Level 2: $115,000.00 - $165,000.00

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 SpaceX. 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

Itar Requirements

• 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.