Sr. Sourcing Specialist, Mechanical; Starshield

Sr. Sourcing Specialist, Mechanical (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

As a member of the Starshield Supply Chain team you will manage the demand plan and sourcing for hardware used on, and in the making of, the Starshield satellite constellation. Our team moves quickly and you must too. Space

X has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers to be better with us as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality and speed of execution. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, and inventory. This role’s scope will help enable rate production in the satellite factory of the future!

• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices related to assigned category
• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply signals to adjust incoming material
• Track high‑risk components and supplier delivery performance
• Communicate clearly and rapidly to influence decisions of vendors and senior leadership
• Interpret engineering drawings and Bill of Materials (BOMs)
• Create sourcing strategies for all mechanical custom and Commercial Off the Self (COTS) hardware
• Develop a preferred supplier network and leverage it to minimize cost and lead time for the fabrication and delivery of parts
• Supported commodities include but are not limited to machined parts, electromechanical equipment, large machining, finish processes, mechanical assemblies, etc.
• Solve complex, open‑ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency
• Manage outsource fabrication projects including planning, coordinating with stakeholders, estimating completion, and managing vendor performance
• Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities
• Responsible for authoring of contract documents with the legal department
• Management of contracts ensuring performance of the supplier to contract obligations
• Understand interrelationships between contracts and terms while applying creativity and sound business reasoning to interpret application of contract to business needs
• Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings benefit while lowering risk

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or engineering; OR 5+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management in lieu of a degree

• 2+ years of professional experience in technical sourcing, procurement, or planning
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication, etc.
• Familiar with common material finishes and coatings, including paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment, etc.
• Experience with Material Resource Planning (MRP) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and with managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders
• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis
• Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL and PowerBI
• Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs
• Detail‑oriented, self‑motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast‑moving and ever‑changing environment
• Ability to conduct all activities with integrity and urgency

• Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed, up to 25% travel
• Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends when needed
• This position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite – remote work not considered