Supplier Development Engineer, PCB (Starlink)

About the Role

SpaceX is growing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. This is a high-profile, cross-functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Satellites and Gateways. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing teams as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, supplier development engineers can see their assemblies come to life every day!

Key Responsibilities

• Own continuity of supply for printed circuit boards (PCBs) on the Starlink program
• Collaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, and production teams to manage suppliers and deliver world class products for our customers
• Support procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier capabilities by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers
• Develop and implement supplier technical requirements and quality flow downs to meet hardware manufacturing needs
• Implement and monitor production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
• Ensure qualification and reliability activities at suppliers are in line with requirements
• Develop and approve process controls to control critical characteristics
• Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and opportunities for defects
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps to drive supplier improvement plans
• Provide feedback to suppliers as appropriate on manufacturing methods, with a specific focus on eliminating costs, reducing cycle times, and increasing yields
• Function as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues and to provide technical support
• Drive supplier root cause failure analysis and corrective actions associated with any quality gaps, escapes, or containments
• Lead projects and present reports to internal teams, management, and/or suppliers
• Act as internal owner of supplier’s statistical process control (SPC), yield improvement activities, new tool/process qualification, and performance in terms of quality, efficiency, and cost

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electrochemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication (school projects, clubs, or internship experience is applicable)
• Electronics manufacturing experience, preferably with PCBs for high-speed / RF applications
• Working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, lean methods, etc.) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, e.g., SPC, design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.
• Disciplined approach to problem solving – 8D
• Experience with sharing information and influencing others across organizational lines, internally and externally
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with minimal oversight and learn new skills on-the-job quickly and efficiently
• Ability to identify and maintain priorities for tasks and projects while staying organized
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and management
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 25-60% travel required (domestic and international)
• Valid driver’s license

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electrochemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication (school projects, clubs, or internship experience is applicable)
• Advanced degree in engineering, business, or supply chain

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.