Global Sourcing Manager

About the role

You will manage hardware demand and procurement for the Starshield satellite constellation, supporting national security missions focused on communications, Earth observation, and hosted payloads. This role requires rapid execution to scale production within our satellite factory while actively shaping supplier performance, cost, and quality. You will act as the primary interface between SpaceX and the supplier base to ensure alignment with program timelines and technical standards. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies across the supply chain. You will leverage analytical rigor to challenge assumptions and drive cost efficiency without compromising mission success. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to resolve complex procurement issues and maintain production momentum. Success in this role is defined by your ability to deliver reliable hardware on schedule and at the optimal total cost of ownership.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and execute sourcing and cost strategies for existing platforms and new product development.
• Aggregate hardware demand signals to support production rate requirements.
• Manage the full RFX process, including RFI, RFP, and RFQ activities.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and make final sourcing decisions in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Create should-cost models to analyze competitive pricing and maintain strict budget adherence.
• Ensure suppliers are prepared for all stages of production, from prototype builds to mass manufacturing.
• Drive process improvements and cost-reduction initiatives with external partners.
• Present value propositions, contract awards, and supply chain status updates to executive leadership.
• Build and maintain long-term supplier partnerships using data-driven performance management.
• Conduct supplier market analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for strategic leverage.
• Negotiate technical and commercial terms to secure optimal agreements that balance cost, schedule, and quality.
• Monitor supplier performance against key metrics and enforce corrective action plans when necessary.
• Lead root cause analysis for supply chain disruptions and collaborate on resolution plans.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of sourcing decisions, supplier evaluations, and procurement rationales.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of experience in supply chain, production, or engineering; OR advanced degree with 4+ years of experience; OR 10+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible for U.S. Department of State export authorizations.
• Ability to work onsite in Hawthorne, CA.
• Availability for travel up to 50% of the time and willingness to work irregular hours or weekends to coordinate with global suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices and supplier lifecycle management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proficiency in analyzing complex data sets to support decision-making.

Nice to have

• Experience in technical procurement or planning for PCB, PCBA, or electrical components.
• Background in electronic component or board-level commodity procurement.
• Experience in production purchasing.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, datasheets, and technical drawings.

Skills & tools

• MS Office Suite
• SQL
• Access
• Data management and analytical tools

Practical notes

• Compensation includes base salary, potential long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), and discretionary bonuses.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays, and sick leave.
• Engagement is Full-time, onsite.
• Work location is in Hawthorne, Canada.
• Availability for travel up to 50% of the time is required.
• Willingness to work irregular hours or weekends is necessary to coordinate with global suppliers.
• Candidates must meet U.S. citizenship or equivalent export authorization requirements.
• This role operates within the Starshield Supply Chain team structure.
• The position supports mission-critical national security objectives through hardware procurement.
• Success requires adherence to strict budget and schedule constraints.
• The role involves frequent interaction with executive leadership regarding supply chain status.
• Long-term incentives and benefits are structured to support retention and performance.
• Documentation of procurement decisions is a standard practice for audit and compliance purposes.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core expectation of this position.
• Supplier performance data is used continuously to drive improvements.
• The ability to interpret technical documentation is essential for supplier assessments.
• Data-driven decision-making is a cornerstone of the procurement strategy.
• The position requires a high level of personal accountability and ownership.
• Flexibility in working hours is necessary to accommodate international time zones.
• The role contributes directly to the success of Starshield constellation missions.
• Candidates should be prepared to engage with vendors at all levels of technical detail.
• Strategic sourcing is a continuous process that requires active management.
• Cost reduction initiatives are pursued without impacting product reliability.
• The role requires a deep understanding of supply chain risks and mitigation techniques.
• Proficiency in data tools enables accurate forecasting and supplier analysis.
• The position is integral to scaling production for satellite manufacturing.
• Effective negotiation skills are critical to securing favorable terms.
• The role demands a balance between strategic planning and operational execution.
• Supplier relationships are built on trust, transparency, and performance metrics.
• The position requires a commitment to excellence in every aspect of procurement.
• Continuous improvement is embedded in the responsibilities of this role.
• The role supports the long-term goals of SpaceX and Starshield.
• Candidates must be prepared for a dynamic and challenging work environment.
• The position offers opportunities for professional growth within supply chain management.
• Clear communication is essential when interacting with stakeholders and suppliers.
• The role requires a thorough understanding of procurement regulations and compliance.
• Data analysis is used to validate supplier capabilities and pricing.
• The position is designed for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments.
• Success in this role is measured by the ability to deliver results under pressure.
• The role requires a strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• Supplier onboarding and qualification are key activities in this position.
• The position supports the overall mission of expanding satellite connectivity.
• Candidates should be comfortable with ambiguity and changing priorities.
• The role involves managing complex negotiations across multiple stakeholders.
• The position requires a high degree of organization and attention to detail.
• Supplier risk management is a critical component of the job.
• The role contributes to the reliability and success of space missions.
• The position requires the ability to adapt to new technologies and processes.
• Clear documentation is required to support audits and reviews.
• The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Collaboration with engineering teams is essential to ensure technical alignment.
• The position requires a strong understanding of cost structures and pricing models.
• Supplier performance metrics are used to guide strategic decisions.
• The role supports the continuous scaling of production capabilities.
• Candidates must be prepared to travel frequently as part of the job requirements.
• The position requires a strong commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Supplier relationships are managed with a focus on long-term value.
• The role involves analyzing market conditions to inform sourcing decisions.
• The position requires a high level of professionalism and integrity.
• Data-driven insights are used to optimize procurement strategies.
• The role supports the overall financial goals of the organization.
• Supplier contracts are managed with precision and attention to detail.
• The position requires a strong ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The role contributes to the strategic goals of the Starshield program.
• Candidates must be prepared to engage in continuous learning and development.
• The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security missions.
• Supplier collaboration is essential to achieving program objectives.
• The role requires a strong understanding of global supply chain dynamics.
• The position supports the long-term vision of SpaceX.
• Success in this role requires a combination of technical acumen and business savvy.
• The role demands a high level of resilience and adaptability.
• Supplier partnerships are built on mutual respect and shared goals.
• The position requires a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
• The role supports the overall mission of advancing space technology.
• Candidates must be prepared to contribute to a high-performance culture.
• The position offers competitive compensation and benefits aligned with performance.
• Supplier management is a key responsibility that impacts program success.
• The role requires a strong ability to navigate complex procurement processes.
• The position supports the strategic goals of the Starshield constellation.
• Success is achieved through disciplined execution and strong leadership.
• The role requires a deep understanding of supply chain principles and best practices.
• The position offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology.
• Supplier relationships are critical to the long-term success of the program.
• The role requires a strong commitment to quality and reliability.
• The position supports the overall growth and scalability of SpaceX operations.
• Candidates must be prepared to contribute to a dynamic and evolving environment.
• The role requires a high level of engagement with stakeholders across the organization.
• Supplier performance directly impacts mission success and operational efficiency.
• The position requires a strong ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• The role supports the strategic vision of expanding satellite capabilities.
• Success in this role is measured by the ability to deliver value across the supply chain.
• The position requires a strong commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
• The role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to space exploration.
• Supplier relationships are built on a foundation of trust and transparency.
• The position requires a strong understanding of procurement best practices.
• The role supports the overall mission of delivering secure and reliable satellite communications.
• Candidates must be prepared to contribute to a high-velocity, mission-driven environment.
• The position offers a unique opportunity to impact national security through procurement.
• Success requires a combination of technical knowledge and strategic thinking.
• The role requires a strong ability to manage relationships with key suppliers.
• The position supports the long-term objectives of the Starshield program.
• The role dema