Sourcing Manager, AI Satellite Electronics (Starmind)

About the role

One of SpaceX's most ambitious efforts to date, the AI Satellite program is our solution for bringing compute to space at global scale. The AI Satellite Supply Chain team is seeking a Sourcing Manager to support the Bastrop, TX production facility. To build on our technical momentum, the team will execute large-scale projects that directly impact the program's cost, schedule, and performance. Department functions include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, inventory management, contract and pricing negotiation, and commodity strategy development.

This is a high-profile, cross-functional role that is essential to enabling the development and production flow of AI Satellites. You will partner closely with engineering and manufacturing to create and execute smart, creative supply chain strategies that meet aggressive production goals. Because final integration happens in-house, sourcing specialists get to see their hardware come to life on the factory floor every day.

Responsibilities

• 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 SpaceX 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

Basic Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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 results; must be able to reference wins and quantify impact
• Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL and PowerBI
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication, etc.
• Familiar with common material finishes and coatings, including paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment, etc.
• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications
• Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel
• Demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous situations and across organizational boundaries. History of self-learning & application of newly learned tools & techniques
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs

Additional Requirements

• Position may require extended hours and/or weekend work when needed
• Position may require travel up to 30%
• This position is based in Bastrop, TX and is 100% onsite

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.