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

SOURCING SPECIALIST (STARSHIP LAUNCH)

The integration and catch tower and orbital launch mount will redefine ground support systems for launch vehicles as we know it, with the ultimate goal being to launch, catch, and relaunch orbital boosters in hours or days instead weeks or months. The SpaceX supply chain department is a critical player in these operations. To capitalize on SpaceX’s technological and market changing successes, our team will be part of managing an agile yet robust supply chain that will enable a competitive advantage for the company. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics and inventory. SpaceX supply chain will play a key role in enabling SpaceX to meet the ambitious growth targets and greatly contribute in making us a multi-planetary species.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to formulate a strategic sourcing plan that identifies new/suitable suppliers, optimizes cost models and proactively ensures continuity of supply based on upcoming new product introduction campaign requirements
• Manage the supply base by continuously improving a precise supplier selection model and documenting purchase order award strategy on a commodity by commodity basis
• Ensure health of supply base by evaluating and selecting suppliers based on capability, quality, reliability, and price competitiveness
• Ensure supplier meets all critical measures of performance by consistently auditing capacity management systems and probability of successful on time delivery
• Analyze supplier operations to assess technical capability, equipment, and capacity for rapid deployment of new product development and long term production to implement a successful E2E product life cycle management strategy and process
• Direct and execute initiatives that support aggressive improvements in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, enhanced service levels, improved coordination, delivery, pricing, lead-times, payment, risk compliance and other areas as identified
• Benchmark, track, and analyze annual performance metrics and sourcing trends against budget on a monthly basis to demonstrate continuous improvement and progress against strategic objectives
• 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 that are conducive to a high performing supply plan
• Drive make vs. buy decisions for new products, implement the strategy across the product lifecycle from development, qualification, first article runs through stable production
• Execute RFIs and RFPs, document bid events through correspondence to suppliers; conduct supplier negotiations and ongoing contract management
• Coordinate with engineering and quality organizations to determine cause of rejected material and to drive appropriate changes to ensure elimination/reduction of those quality issues
• Administer multimillion dollar contracts and independently negotiate supplier’s contract terminology, pricing, technical requirements, scope and terms involving responsibility, liability, indemnification, intellectual property and export compliance
• Execute purchasing transactions by issuing purchase orders for flight-focused Starship requirements
• Consult/advise buyer/planners on strategies and tactics to ensure their success and development
• Provide high-level oversight and support to ensure operational success in tactical procurement execution
• Conduct director-level supply base health and performance scorecard and ensure executive support for the supply base management plan

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of experience working in a supply chain, production, or engineering function

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience reading drawings and blueprints
• Technical knowledge in a commodity (e.g. sheet metal, machining, hardware, soft goods, raw material etc.)
• Experience in sourcing from a global supply base using various contractual models
• Proven success working on cross-functional new product introduction projects, completing cost models, and negotiating
• Familiarity with ERP systems and purchasing/planning functions
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation communication skills
• Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational and organizational problems
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
• Able to conduct all activities with the highest of integrity
• Understanding of block-chain powered supply chain platforms to boost efficiency, traceability, and payment processing speeds

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to travel - up to 35% work week travel may be required, including international travel
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones
• This position is based in Brownsville, TX or Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Sourcing Specialist: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.