Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical (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. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven mechanical engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production of Starlink products. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing departments as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes and machinery from a first principles, physics-based approach with focus on mechanical domain
• Experience with taking products from concept and development into high-volume production
• Experience with manufacturing processes like casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, lamination, die cutting, etc.
• Research and identify new materials, manufacturing technologies, and finish options
• Develop part qualification criteria, collaborate on functional and reliability requirements, and drive system-level optimization for high-volume production.
• Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) to develop supplier production processes for high-rate, high-yield, and reliable parts
• Perform defect characterization and analysis to determine root cause to improve manufacturing yields
• Review DFM from the supplier, including process flow, in-line metrology, inspection mechanism, and engineering analysis
• Direct the supplier process modifications while ultimately responsible for approving first article inspection (FAI) reports, and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) reports
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of mechanical parts, assembly, metrology, and sub-system design intent
• 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 NPI lifecycle, production phases, and program requirement
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
• +1 years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis, hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for measuring and characterizing mechanical parts (CMM, OMM, etc.)
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (Design of Experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) principles and applications
• Proficient in 3D CAD and product lifecycle management, preferably Siemens NX
• Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment including motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.

Additional Requirements

• Position is based in Bastrop, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 50% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver's license

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.