Supply Chain Planning Manager (Starship)

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.

SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING MANAGER (STARSHIP)

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:

• Show initiative in developing new methods or processes to ensure the highest quality product and efficient methods utilized 
• Evaluate technical feasibility of work content and understand suppliers’ technical capabilities and limitations
• Inform DFM discussions based on vendor feedback
• Ensure partners are prepared to support prototype builds with appropriate equipment, material to ensure a successful product development, ramping up and production
• Take ownership of team effort to develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies that support existing platforms and new product development
• Present value propositions to SpaceX management, including those related to contract award, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies and critical supply issues
• Manage cost aggressively to ensure adherence to project-specific budgets, forecasts and develop should-cost models for competitive cost analysis
• Develop clear technology and commodity roadmaps for current commodity, product, vertical as they relate to future SpaceX programs
• Be the liaison between supply chain and engineering for supplier and down selection during NPI while improving or sustaining cost targets
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships across disciplines and multiple levels of management
• Manage supply base from concept to end of life to ensure continuity of supply (COS) with the right materials driving plan in place and on time delivery
• Responsible for creating POs, on-time delivery of materials for both internal and external operations, invoice resolution, meeting company quality requirements while meeting company cost targets
• Guide junior staff members in some aspects of their jobs and provides strategic support whenever needed

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree and 3+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 9+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
  • Engineering
  • Purchasing
  • Contract negotiation
  • Material or production planning
  • Operations or supply chain management
  • Material cost control
  • Master production scheduling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Capable of managing existing external supply chain and suppliers both domestic and globally
• Vast experience within a commodity (technical procurement, product development, NPI, manufacturing and negotiating high volume products)
• Individual negotiation skills with the ability to influence
• Proven track record of taking ownership, successfully negotiating preferred pricing and driving results
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective written, verbal and presentation communication skills
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
• Conducts all activities with the highest level of integrity
• Experience of planning purchasing of commodity products and 3rd party services working as a team with product development, quality, finance and sales
• Prior experience managing semiconductor sourcing, including knowledge of raw material, plastic, sheet metal, machining, die casting, or thermal forming

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to travel - up to 50% 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 and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

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.  

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 reach out to [email protected].