Supplier Development Engineer, Electrical (Starlink Aviation)

As a Supplier Development Engineer, Electrical at SpaceX, your main responsibilities involve acting as the technical point of contact for suppliers, solving emergent challenges, and enhancing the manufacturing system. You'll conduct design for manufacturing (DFM) reviews, partner with the procurement team to source parts, and lead New Product Introductions (NPI) at suppliers. Additionally, you'll ensure that corrective actions taken by suppliers are effective and sustainable while driving improvements in the supply base to keep pace with production demands.

To qualify for the role of Supplier Development Engineer, Electrical at SpaceX, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a STEM discipline, along with a minimum of one year of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or quality. Preferred skills include experience with quality systems such as ISO 9000 and TS/AS9100 as well as a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles, particularly in PCBA manufacturing processes.

The work environment for a Supplier Development Engineer, Electrical at SpaceX is dynamic and fast-paced, particularly due to our focus on cutting-edge technology in aviation and satellite communication sectors. You will collaborate with various cross-functional teams and suppliers to solve complex problems. Being onsite in Redmond, WA is crucial as the role demands hands-on involvement in the manufacturing processes and close collaboration with your colleagues.

A successful Supplier Development Engineer, Electrical at SpaceX will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality tools, and project management will be instrumental in implementing new production lines and ensuring quality standards. Being adaptable and capable of making timely, compliant decisions in a fast-paced environment is also essential.

Absolutely! SpaceX is committed to employee development and growth. As a Supplier Development Engineer, Electrical, you'll have opportunities to take on new challenges and expand your skill set, particularly in areas related to manufacturing innovation and quality assurance. The collaborative nature of SpaceX’s work culture also encourages mentorship and networking, paving the way for your professional advancement.

When addressing risk management in supplier relationships, I prioritize establishing clear communication channels with suppliers and conducting thorough assessments of their capabilities and quality systems. My approach includes frequent audits, regular reviews of supplier performance data, and developing a collaborative action plan to resolve potential issues before they impact production.

Certainly! Throughout my experience, I have actively participated in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) processes by evaluating product designs for manufacturability. This involves collaborating closely with engineers and suppliers to assess proposed designs, identifying areas for optimization, and ensuring that manufacturing processes align with design intent to minimize cost and time while maximizing quality.

In a prior role, I led an NPI project for a critical component in our production line. One significant challenge was coordinating input from multiple stakeholders, including engineering and suppliers. I facilitated cross-functional meetings to align objectives and mitigate risks, which ultimately enabled us to launch the product on schedule while meeting all quality standards.

To ensure a supplier’s corrective actions are robust and sustainable, I implement a systematic review process where I assess the proposed solutions against root cause analyses. This includes validating their effectiveness through on-site audits and regular follow-up assessments to confirm that similar issues don't recur across other manufacturing lines or suppliers.

I am familiar with several manufacturing and quality tools, including Lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and various problem-solving techniques such as 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagrams. In my previous roles, I applied these tools to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance product quality, which significantly improved our overall efficiency and customer satisfaction.

In a past project, I encountered a complex issue regarding component failures impacting production. I utilized a structured approach, starting with root cause analysis to identify underlying issues. I then collaborated with cross-functional teams to brainstorm and implement corrective actions. This led to a measurable decrease in failure rates and enhanced supplier reliability.

To effectively prioritize my work with multiple suppliers, I develop a comprehensive project plan that outlines each supplier's deliverables, timelines, and critical issues. I regularly assess progress and adjust priorities based on urgency and impact on production, ensuring that high-risk areas receive immediate attention while maintaining overall project momentum.

To positively influence supplier performance, I focus on building strong relationships through open lines of communication and collaborative problem-solving. I also provide feedback on their performance and involve them in continuous improvement discussions, which fosters a sense of partnership and mutual accountability.

When validating a new supplier, I take a thorough and systematic approach by first conducting an extensive audit of their manufacturing capabilities, quality standards, and compliance with regulations. I also review their past performance data and refer to client testimonials. Once the evaluation is complete, I engage them in a trial phase where we assess their output before fully engaging them in the supply chain.

I stay updated with emerging trends in manufacturing and quality assurance by participating in industry conferences, engaging with professional networks, and subscribing to relevant journals and publications. Additionally, I actively seek out training opportunities and webinars to continue expanding my knowledge and applying the latest methodologies to my work.