Sr. Sourcing Specialist (Starship Launch) at SpaceX
Brownsville, TX, United States
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. SOURCING SPECIALIST (STARSHIP LAUNCH)
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:
Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to formulate a strategic sourcing plan that identifies new/suitable suppliers, optimizes cost models and proactively ensures continuity of supply based on upcoming new product introduction campaign requirements
Manage the supply base by continuously improving a precise supplier selection model and documenting purchase order award strategy on a commodity by commodity basis
Ensure health of supply base by evaluating and selecting suppliers based on capability, quality, reliability, and price competitiveness. Ensure supplier meets all critical measures of performance by consistently auditing capacity management systems and probability of successful on time delivery
Analyze supplier operations to assess technical capability, equipment, and capacity for rapid deployment of new product development and long term production to implement a successful E2E product life cycle management strategy and process
Direct and execute initiatives that support aggressive improvements in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, enhanced service levels, improved coordination, delivery, pricing, lead-times, payment, risk compliance and other areas as identified
Benchmark, track, and analyze annual performance metrics and sourcing trends against budget on a monthly basis to demonstrate continuous improvement and progress against strategic objectives
Develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders, understanding their needs and consulting with them to build quality procurement strategies aligned to business requirements. Be the voice of reason and push engineering to make sound design decisions that are conducive to a high performing supply plan. Drive make vs. buy decisions for new products, implement the strategy across the product lifecycle from development, qualification, first article runs through stable production
Execute RFIs and RFPs, document bid events through correspondence to suppliers; conduct supplier negotiations and ongoing contract management
Coordinate with engineering and quality organizations to determine cause of rejected material and to drive appropriate changes to ensure elimination/reduction of those quality issues
Administer multimillion dollar contracts and independently negotiate supplier's contract terminology, pricing, technical requirements, scope and terms involving responsibility, liability, indemnification, intellectual property and export compliance
Execute purchasing transactions by issuing purchase orders for flight-focused Starship requirements
Consult/advise buyer/planners on strategies and tactics to ensure their success and development. Provide high-level oversight and support to ensure operational success in tactical procurement execution
Conduct director-level supply base health and performance scorecard and ensure executive support for the supply base management plan
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced degree; or bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 6+ 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:
Experience reading drawings and blueprints
Technical knowledge in a commodity (e.g. composites raw material, composite component manufacturing, machining, avionics, soft goods etc.)
Experience in sourcing from a global supply base using various contractual models
Proven success working on cross-functional new product introduction projects, completing cost models, and negotiating
Familiarity with ERP systems and purchasing/planning functions
Exceptional written, verbal and presentation communication skills
Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational and organizational problems
Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
Able to conduct all activities with the highest of integrity
Understanding of block-chain powered supply chain platforms to boost efficiency, traceability, and payment processing speeds
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position may require long hours and some nights and weekends when needed to hit critical deadlines
Ability to travel - up to 50% work week travel is required
Standing for long periods of time, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
