Supplier Development Engineer, Cables

About the role

In this position, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire supply chain for Starlink's power and connectivity components, which include Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables and AC cords. Your role will involve selecting suppliers, scaling production, and ensuring quality control to meet the demands of high-volume manufacturing. This is a critical position that directly impacts the efficiency and reliability of our products.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the complete lifecycle of PoE and AC cable components, starting from the selection of suppliers to the mass production stage.
• Assess the readiness of suppliers for manufacturing, focusing on processes such as extrusion, shielding, stranding, and connector molding.
• Develop and implement qualification plans for cable commodities, which will include thermal testing, flex-life assessments, high-potential (hi-pot) testing, and ensuring compliance with electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards.
• Lead the production part approval process (PPAP) and conduct first article inspections to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Perform root cause analysis to identify issues and implement corrective actions for any quality escapes or performance problems observed in the field.
• Collaborate with design and test engineering teams to incorporate field data into product improvements through iterative processes.
• Evaluate supplier performance using Lean methodologies and standardized scorecards to ensure continuous improvement.
• Maintain documentation and reporting related to supplier performance and product quality metrics.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues and streamline processes.
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in cable technology to inform supplier selection and product development.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or a closely related discipline is required.
• At least one year of experience in reliability, quality, or supplier development engineering specifically related to cables is essential.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions based on findings.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes and methodologies in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

Nice to have

• More than three years of experience in cable engineering or supplier development would be advantageous.
• Technical expertise in standards such as IEEE 802.3af/at/bt, UL 444, UL 817, IEC 60228, IEC 61156, TIA/EIA-568, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 is a plus.
• Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) is desirable.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies, Minitab software, and design of experiments would be beneficial.
• A background in qualifying Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cabling is preferred.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in evaluating high-volume manufacturing processes, including capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) and capacity analysis.
• Strong structured problem-solving skills, utilizing methodologies such as 8D and 5-Why analysis.
• Experience in reliability testing, including accelerated life testing, thermal aging assessments, and humidity exposure evaluations.
• Ability to read and interpret 2D technical drawings and connector specifications accurately.

Practical notes

• The role may require travel of up to 25% for domestic and international supplier visits, which is essential for maintaining supplier relationships and ensuring quality standards.
• Candidates should be prepared for extended hours and potential weekend work during critical production ramps or when addressing urgent issues.
• SpaceX is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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.