Sourcing Specialist

About the Role

SpaceX's Starlink constellation aims to provide reliable internet globally. The Starlink Supply Chain Department seeks a Sourcing Specialist to support the Redmond, WA production facility. This role is integral to enabling the development and production flow of Satellites and Gateways, executing large-scale projects that define the Starlink program's bottom line.

Key Responsibilities

• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices for assigned categories.
• 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 Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Create sourcing strategies for all custom and COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) mechanical hardware.
• Develop and leverage a preferred supplier network to minimize cost and lead time for part fabrication and delivery.
• Support commodities including, but not limited to, machined parts, electromechanical equipment, large machining, finishing processes, and mechanical assemblies.
• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency.
• Manage outsource fabrication projects, including planning, stakeholder coordination, completion estimation, and vendor performance management.
• Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities.
• Author contract documents with the legal department.
• Manage contracts to ensure supplier performance to contractual obligations.
• Understand interrelationships between contracts and terms, applying creativity and sound business reasoning.
• Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings while lowering risk.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or engineering.
• Experience with MRP or ERP systems.
• Experience managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders.
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis.
• Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, and PowerBI.
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines (e.g., mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication).
• Familiarity with common material finishes and coatings (e.g., paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel.
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment.
• Capability to prioritize multiple on-going projects.

Qualifications

• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications are preferred.
• A strong track record for achieving results; ability to reference wins and quantify impact is highly preferred.

Additional Information

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

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.