Senior Supply Chain Reliability Engineer (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.

SENIOR SUPPLY CHAIN RELIABILITY ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

As a Senior Supply Chain Reliability Engineer, this position will support the Starship supply chain program and requires a combination of proven leadership and technical capabilities. This is a highly quality-centric position and requires deep technical understanding of manufacturing processes and practical experience in quality investigations, QA/QC practices and supplier management. Focus includes leading investigation of supplier quality non-conformance found in production, establishing supplier quality processes, and driving adherence to be the same. An ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of manufacturing processes, quality processes, and a strong desire to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interface with production operations, inspection, shipping/receiving, and engineering teams to develop appropriate quality signals and processes to meeting overall program reliability goals.
• Develop and improve quality processes, programs and necessary procedures to ensure the identification, segregation, control, and disposition of all nonconforming materials, parts, components, and subassemblies at the business and supplier level.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop and evolve requirements, specifications and supplier flow-downs.
• Responsible for containment actions associated with non-conforming product, including identification of product location, coordination with Build Reliability Engineers regarding potential flight risks and the coordination of actions required to identify root cause analysis.
• Utilize data-driven problem-solving methods to lead cross-functional supplier quality investigations.
• Establish metrics, collect, and analyze data to highlight improvement opportunities to eliminate escapes, reduce scrap and rework, improve yield, and improve internal customer satisfaction.
• Drive root cause analysis and influence operations to take appropriate corrective actions based on assessments.
• Maintain, monitor, and enhance the Supply Chain MRB process, ensuring it aligns with appropriate levels of compliance.
• Coordinate failure resolution and follow-up actions to avoid further mishaps.
• Partner with a team to develop and manage strategy on reliability to mitigate future production risks and seize emerging opportunities to improve quality and safety.
• Perform independent technical field qualification and verification of supplier capabilities and ongoing reliability.
• Collaborate with multiple organizations to identify improvement opportunities and lead, manage and execute improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in quality systems, quality assurance, control, or manufacturing/production.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in engineering or supply chain.
• Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9000 or Nadcap AC7004.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing and properties of materials.
• Experience in Quality Systems Administration, Quality Systems Auditing, and supplier audits.
• Knowledge or mastery of principles in chemistry, engineering, fluid dynamics, and mechanics of materials.
• Experience using Excel, SQL, or Python/R for analysis or modeling of dynamic systems.
• Experience with machining and ancillary operations, such as milling, turning, and tube cutting of materials.
• Ability to quickly grasp knowledge of a diverse range of supplier capabilities.
• Practical experience in requirement and specification development.
• Capable of seeking and solving complex problem and organizing it in a manner that helps decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience in leading or working on a multi-disciplinary engineering problem.
• Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, root cause analysis and corrective action, advanced product quality planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), metrology, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem-solving approaches.
• Experience with high volume manufacturing (i.e., small or large machined components, hardware, COTS, fittings, etc.).
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes (e.g., production part approval process, advanced product quality planning, first article inspection reports, etc.) .
• Disciplined approach to problem solving- 8D.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members, and management.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours and some nights and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones.
• Must be able to travel - up to 40% work week travel may be required, including international travel.
• This position is based in Starbase, TX, and requires being onsite - remote work not considered.
• Valid driver’s license.

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.