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

SR. SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER – SPECIAL PROCESSES

OVERVIEW:

SpaceX demands a new type of supply chain. We require our suppliers to provide premium quality with rapidly evolving designs at increasingly ambitious volumes. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools and have unrelenting motivation to enable suppliers for success.

This is a highly technical position that requires practical experience with chemical processing, plating, thin film and thermal spray coatings, precision cleaning, thermal protection systems, nondestructive evaluation, etc., to promote advanced technologies and break through technical hurtles in our supply base.  The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of these processes along with the desire and capability to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with Materials Engineering and Procurement to source suppliers and develop optimized processing solutions
• Own and improve supplier selection through enhanced and targeted qualification procedures
• Review and assess supplier processes and quality systems. Provide feedback as appropriate on process methods and technologies
• As the technical expert, function as liaison between SpaceX stakeholders and suppliers to resolve suppliers’ technical challenges
• Recommend technical process improvements to reduce risk and potential defect opportunities
• Develop specifications to control current and future processes
• Develop and approve process controls for critical characteristics
• Continuously monitor the industry for improved process technologies
• Lead the introduction of new processes into current and future space vehicle designs
• Interface with component teams to prioritize supplier development needs by component to improve cost competitiveness and supply constraints
• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention-to-detail, self-direction, & courage
• Drive for results and customer satisfaction
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects and continuously drive improvement in the supply base

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering role with direct experience in special processes
• Technical expertise in one of the following areas: chemical processing, plating, thin film and thermal spray coatings, precision cleaning, thermal protection systems, nondestructive evaluation, etc.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science & Engineering
• Masters degree in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science & Engineering
• Lead auditor training or certification
• Experience with Quality Systems (ISO 9000/AS9100/NADCAP)
• Disciplined approach to problem solving
• Competence interpreting 2D engineering drawings and model drawings
• Proficient in MS Office applications and report writing
• Experience with sharing information and influencing others. Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to liaise cross functionally, internally and externally, make presentations to team members and management
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (like design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position requires long hours and some nights and weekends when required
• Ability to travel - up to 60-75% work week travel is required, valid driver’s license mandatory

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant 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 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