Supplier Development Engineer II, Optics & Optomechanical (Starlink)

Company: SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Location: Redmond
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

Supplier Development Engineer II, Optics & Optomechanical (Starlink)Redmond, WASpaceX 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 ofenabling human life on Mars.SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Satellites and Gateways. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing teams as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative, and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, Supplier Development Engineers have the ability to see their assemblies come to life every day!The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. Laser communication is a highly valuable technology due to the high data bandwidth and high spatial efficiency, which requires engineering precise and high-performance electro-optical and optomechanical systems. This role is for a Supplier Development Engineer embedded within the Space Lasers team, supporting the internal engineering and manufacturing teams. You will be responsible for building and scaling a highly technical supply base for the free-space optical communication system design. Your direct impact and optical/mechanical expertise will help shape SpaceX's capabilities to transmit high-rate data around the world via laser communication systems.RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starlink satellite and ground station systems
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intent
• Drive design for manufacturing feedback and best practices with peer teams for efficient and highly scalable production designs
• Support the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Create and define supplier technical and quality requirements based on customer and program requirements and expectations for NPI and production phases
• Lead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, production, and suppliers
• Define product technical requirements, and ensure supplier compliance with these requirements
• Implement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plans
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrology
• Identify and drive product & process improvements to lower part cost, reduce supply risk, eliminate potential defects, and improve cycle time
• Effectively manage mission-critical supply chain by establishing excellent working relationships and regular lines of communication with suppliers
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply baseBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and/or process engineering role, or internship experience in engineeringPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
    • Master's degree in optics, engineering, business, or supply chain
    • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design, manufacturing, or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
    • Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive results
    • Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)
    • Knowledge of lean, production, and supply chain concepts
    • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
    • Ability to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environmentADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
      • Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
      • Ability to travel: Up to 25-60% work week travel may be required
      • Valid driver's licenseCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay range:Supplier Development Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per yearYour actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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Keywords: SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, Bellingham , Supplier Development Engineer II, Optics & Optomechanical (Starlink), Engineering , Redmond, Washington