Supplier Quality Specialist

About the role

SpaceX is on the lookout for a committed Supplier Quality Specialist to enhance supplier quality and ensure supply chain reliability for the Starlink initiative. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing quality operations, addressing vendor-related issues, and implementing effective processes that uphold superior manufacturing standards. Your contributions will be vital in maintaining the integrity of our supply chain and ensuring that our products meet the highest quality benchmarks.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Evaluate and enhance the existing issue ticket system to improve vendor performance metrics.
• Oversee the management of non-conformances identified during incoming quality inspections, production phases, and at supplier locations.
• Implement containment strategies, which include identifying, sorting, and eliminating non-conforming components from the supply chain.
• Collaborate with engineering and procurement teams to conduct root cause analyses and develop corrective and preventive measures.
• Perform supplier audits and assess manufacturing processes during the onboarding phase and throughout the product lifecycle.
• Offer onsite technical assistance at supplier facilities to guarantee the reliability of parts produced.
• Create and maintain comprehensive quality documentation, standards, and policies to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Facilitate training sessions for suppliers to align them with SpaceX's quality expectations and standards.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and report findings to management, recommending improvements as necessary.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and internal teams to resolve quality-related issues swiftly and effectively.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and quality enhancement projects.
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in quality management to bring innovative solutions to the team.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least 2 years of experience in quality assurance, manufacturing, supply chain management, or engineering, or a bachelor's degree in engineering or supply chain management.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to comply with ITAR regulations.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time for supplier visits and audits.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to meet critical project deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on problem-solving and process improvement.

Nice to have

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or supply chain management is preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, lean manufacturing principles, and statistical data analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of AS9100 or comparable quality management systems is advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards.
• Experience in supplier development and familiarity with supplier management portals.
• Technical expertise in areas such as electronics, injection molding, or machined components.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration across various teams and for delivering presentations.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• Understanding of lean manufacturing concepts
• Skills in statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Knowledge of GD&T principles
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards
• Experience with CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions), MRB (Material Review Board), and SDR (Supplier Deviation Requests) management

Practical notes

• Compensation for this position is structured as follows: Level I ($85,000 - $100,000/year) and Level II ($95,000 - $120,000/year).
• The total rewards package includes company stock options, long-term cash incentives, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits are offered, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and more than ten paid holidays annually.
• This position is strictly onsite at our Woodinville, WA facility, ensuring close collaboration with the team and suppliers.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.