Data Infrastructure Operations Manager

About the role

This role focuses on managing the end-to-end lifecycle of high-quality data used to train and validate AI models for Starlink. You will oversee supplier networks, negotiate commercial agreements, and ensure the consistent delivery of specialized datasets to meet technical performance targets. The position requires ownership of end-to-end data supply chain operations from procurement through production deployment. You will be responsible for aligning sourcing strategies with engineering requirements for quality, latency, and performance across large-scale datasets. The role involves monitoring deal execution, managing risks, and ensuring suppliers meet strict delivery timelines for critical data pipelines. You will standardize and scale sourcing workflows, tools, and planning systems to support growing model training demands. A core responsibility is developing a pipeline of proprietary enterprise datasets that enhance model accuracy and reduce reliance on external sources. Success in this position depends on maintaining strict budget discipline to ensure spending directly correlates with measurable improvements in model performance.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Negotiate flexible and commercially viable contracts with data suppliers and partners to secure favorable terms.
• Align sourcing strategies with engineering requirements for quality, scalability, and performance metrics.
• Monitor deal execution across multiple vendors and manage risks to ensure suppliers meet delivery timelines.
• Standardize and scale sourcing workflows, tools, and planning systems to improve operational efficiency.
• Develop a pipeline of proprietary enterprise datasets that support long-term model training objectives.
• Provide data-driven input on procurement orders based on supplier capacity, pricing, and technical requirements.
• Maintain strict budget discipline to ensure spending correlates with model performance improvements and ROI.
• Establish pricing targets and track metrics for quality, spend, and delivery performance across data contracts.
• Conduct regular reviews of supplier capabilities and capacity to inform strategic sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define data requirements and success criteria for new initiatives.
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders and external vendors to resolve issues and maintain relationships.
• Optimize data supply chain operations by identifying bottlenecks and implementing process improvements.
• Evaluate new data sources and technologies to enhance dataset diversity and model training effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and data governance standards across operations.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in engineering, product management, procurement, supply chain, strategy, or technology roles.
• Bachelor degree or equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced knowledge in relevant fields.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations governing data operations.
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends to meet aggressive project and launch deadlines as business needs require.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-stakes data operations in fast-paced technical environments.
• Strong understanding of data procurement, licensing, and contractual frameworks relevant to enterprise datasets.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data quality, integrity, and security in all operations.

Nice to have

• Experience managing technical or construction projects from initial planning through successful completion.
• Ability to solve ambiguous problems with minimal oversight and limited structured guidance.
• Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, or financial modeling to support decision-making and forecasting.
• Commitment to sustainability, reusability, and renewability in data sourcing and operational practices.

Skills & tools

• Project management methodologies and tools for tracking complex operational workflows.
• Supplier negotiation techniques to secure favorable terms and ensure reliable data delivery.
• Data analysis capabilities to evaluate supplier performance and inform strategic sourcing.
• Financial modeling skills to assess cost structures, forecast budgets, and optimize spending.
• Strategic sourcing expertise to build resilient supplier networks and mitigate operational risks.

Practical notes

Total compensation includes potential long-term incentives such as stock options or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10+ paid holidays. Company shuttles are available for travel between select Seattle locations and the Redmond office. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and will not require sponsorship for employment authorization documents at this time. The schedule demands significant availability during peak project periods, including evenings and weekends, to ensure continuity of data operations and support launch timelines. This position operates within the Redmond, Washington office location, with potential for occasional travel to supplier sites as necessary for contract negotiations and performance reviews. All employees are expected to adhere to SpaceX policies regarding confidentiality, data protection, and regulatory compliance in all aspects of the role.