Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical (Starlink)

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.

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, MECHANICAL (STARLINK)

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 requ