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 QUALITY ENGINEER - SURVEILLANCE (AVIONICS)

The supply chain team is responsible for the sourcing, planning, procurement, warehousing, and transportation of all raw materials and components needed to build our revolutionary spacecraft and launch vehicles. Our mission is to get the right part in the right place at the right time, every time.

The supply chain reliability, surveillance team is chartered with global quality surveillance of the supply base, reducing supply chain risk through assessing and monitoring suppliers, and proactively driving needed supplier improvements.

As a supplier quality engineer, you would ensure suppliers are assessed to determine if they continue to meet SpaceX technical and production requirements. You would review performance, identify gaps and opportunities around the processes used to manage supplier audits, corrective/ preventive actions, and supply chain steering committee reviews. You would be responsible to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement, and work with team members to lead the resulting projects to completion. As supplier surveillance activities deal with suppliers that support all areas of SpaceX, you would build an extensive network within design engineering, build reliability, production, and supply chain management, and a deep understanding of SpaceX systems and processes. This experience would enable you to become a critical voice in the development of group and company strategy.

To be successful, you will need:

• A deep technical and practical knowledge of NDE processes and standards
• A willingness to roll up your sleeves and step into chaotic situations, using technical knowledge and quality background to understand the current state and most optimal path forward
• The ability to conduct formal and informal supplier audits and process reviews
• The capability to succinctly communicate status and needed action, often urgently, to all levels of the organization
• An ability to acquire new technical knowledge, particularly around how purchased components and assemblies integrate into the rocket and spacecraft

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and assess supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems, including conducting formal quality management system and production process audits. Provide feedback as appropriate on manufacturing/processing methods and technologies
• Review and understand supplier issues, recommending appropriate actions
• Drive supplier corrective actions, ensuring true root cause analysis and corresponding corrective/preventive actions
• Analyze supplier quality data and partner with supplier development engineers to drive supplier improvements
• Recommend appropriate changes to supplier status based on surveillance results
• Build relationships with cross-functional groups to understand supply base needs
• Develop policies, standards, processes, and documentation as necessary to ensure continued success

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with manufacturing processes related to avionics (machine shops, PCB fabrication, cables/harnesses, etc.)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with Quality Management Systems standards (AS9100 and ISO 9001)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree engineering or supply chain
• Background in chemical engineering or materials science & engineering
• Experience with quality systems (ISO 9000/AS9100/NADCAP)
• Certified lead auditor for AS9100, or QMS and process audit experience
• Previous experience working with suppliers, corrective/ preventive action systems, supplier portals
• Competence interpreting 2D engineering drawings and model drawings
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes (production part approval process, advanced product quality planning, first article inspection reports, etc.)
• Disciplined approach to problem solving - 8D
• Good written, oral, and presentation skills
• Ability to operate autonomously and self-direct
• Preferred skills or experience include: SQL, software development & project management, process flow mapping, material planning systems, warehouse management systems, lean production environments, six sigma training

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position may involve long hours and weekend work as needed
• Ability to travel - up to 60-75% work week travel is expected

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