Manager, Semiconductor Sourcing (Starlink)

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.

MANAGER, SEMICONDUCTOR SOURCING (STARLINK)

We are seeking an experienced leader to own end-to-end sourcing strategy, supplier management, and delivery of leading-edge semiconductor components. In this role, you will partner directly with design engineering to define commodity strategy, build multi-year technology roadmaps, establish and maintain the approved vendor list, and secure massive-scale supply at the record-breaking build speeds Starlink is driving. You will lead a team to negotiate transformative, high-value agreements, accelerate delivery timelines, actively manage inventory across the supply chain, and continuously optimize for cost, quality, speed, and supply chain resilience in the most competitive and dynamic programs on the planet. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who thrives in ambiguous, high-velocity environments, possesses exceptional commercial and technical acumen, and has a proven track record of leading teams to deliver excellent results.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team of sourcing specialists, sourcing managers, and/or global supply managers to ensure continuity of supply for all hardware within the scope of ownership
• Drive improvement, standardization, and scalability of operational planning, workflow, tools, and resources
• Assess employee performance, provide positive and constructive feedback, facilitate conflict resolution, and address repeat issues with corrective actions, performance improvement plans, or disciplinary means
• Own vision and strategy for assigned categories through NPI and production phases; methods may include, but are not limited to cost management, contract negotiations, supplier development, supplier performance management, industry research, and long-term strategic sourcing
• Visit supplier facilities and accurately assess operational capability, financial health, and capacity in order to award contracts in support of new product development and long-term production
• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis, including strategic direction, capacity, market and industry position, and risk assessment
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) for suppliers and evaluate performance across critical metrics such as business outcomes, cost savings, quality, and delivery timeliness
• Present value propositions to SpaceX executives, including those related to contract awards, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies, and critical supply issues
• Provide guidance to internal customers on design for manufacturability and trade analysis for mechanical components and assemblies, onboarding requirements, and quality
• Ensure partners are prepared to support all prototype builds with appropriate equipment and materials for successful product development, ramp-up, and production
• Negotiate long-term contracts to ensure continuity of supply and protect SpaceX interests

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following, or 10+ years of experience in one or more of the following in lieu of a degree:
• Purchasing or procurement
• Material or production planning
• Operations or supply chain management
• Engineering
• Master production scheduling
• 3+ years of experience in a management role with direct reports

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience sharing information and influencing others across organizational lines, internally and externally
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members, internal customers, and senior management
• Demonstrated exceptional achievements at SpaceX and/or previous companies to execute improvement projects quickly, while maintaining product reliability and mission success
• Experience directly negotiating contracts
• Experience sourcing suppliers
• Prior formal people leadership experience
• Organized and self-driven, capable of working independently with little direction
• Ability to conduct all activities with integrity and urgency

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to travel for short and extended trips as needed; up to 75%
• Must be able to work long hours and weekends as needed
• Must be able to work onsite in Bastrop, TX. Remote work is 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 .