Supplier Development Engineer, Supply Chain

About the role SpaceX operates with a distinct mission, believing that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally superior to one where we remain stationary. This mission drives the development of advanced technologies, with the ultimate objective of enabling human life on Mars. To achieve this, the company requires a specific type of supply chain professional dedicated to Launch Site operations. The Supplier Development Engineer, Supply Chain (Launch Site) role is critical for ensuring that suppliers deliver premium quality components and assemblies, including those for Dragon and Falcon programs, under rapidly evolving designs and ambitious volume demands. This position demands a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership focused on supplier success. The role is highly technical, requiring hands-on experience in process engineering and new product development, extending through stabilized production. It involves machined components and assemblies essential to rockets and rocket engines. The ideal candidate must possess a broad understanding of machining and assembly processes for metallic components, alongside the capability to tackle new challenges in unfamiliar domains. Success in this position directly supports the mission to Mars by enabling the supply chain to function at a high level of reliability and innovation. Responsibilities The Supplier Development Engineer acts as the primary technical interface for assigned parts and systems, covering flight, non-flight, and launch site and recovery infrastructure. This involves solving emergent manufacturing challenges at supplier facilities to mitigate risks that could impact the mission manifest. A key duty is leading and coordinating containment activities designed to protect build and launch schedules, while driving ongoing reliability improvements for hardware. The engineer must intervene and drive resolution for critical path components at suppliers, ensuring zero disruption to the manufacturing schedule. This includes reviewing issues related to assigned parts, solving them to the root cause, and implementing changes either at the supplier or within SpaceX, or both. Appropriate actions, such as re-sourcing to new suppliers, must be driven to closure. The role requires creating and dispositioning issue tickets in collaboration with engineering counterparts, implementing solutions like re-work, repair, or authorized use as needed. Thorough familiarity with assigned parts, systems, and the overarching assembly processes is mandatory. The engineer becomes the primary point of contact for supply chain-related defects on those specific parts. Collaboration with procurement is essential to identify and qualify exceptional suppliers, vetting them for the ability to meet aggressive production takt times. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews must be championed early to ensure parts are manufacturable before sourcing decisions are finalized. Ownership of the new product introduction (NPI) process at a supplier is required, whether for new parts, drawing changes, or when re-sourcing existing components to a new vendor. The engineer must drive the production part approval process (PPAP) program to stabilize supply, reduce inspection oversight, and improve overall delivery time. Demonstrating innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction, and the courage to push technical boundaries is expected. Driving for results and customer satisfaction involves collaborating with teams, leading projects, and continuously improving the supply base. Basic Qualifications Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline. A minimum of 3+ years of experience with manufacturing and/or inspection of mechanical products in a production environment is required. Preferred Skills and Experiences A Master's degree in engineering is preferred. Candidates should have direct experience with machining and ancillary operations, including milling, turning, fabrication, and vendor design-engineered systems such as pumps, valves, and actuators. Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and models, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), is essential. Working knowledge of supplier quality processes is mandatory. This includes production part approval process (PPAP), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and first article inspection reports. A strong understanding of statistical techniques and methods, such as design of experiments, Lean, and Six Sigma, is required. Experience with quality systems, including ISO 9000, TS standards, and NADCAP, is necessary for success in this role. About the Location and Compensation This position is based in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is a full-time engagement with a compensation package of $134,500.00 per year. What You'll Do

- Set technical direction for assigned parts across flight and recovery infrastructure while removing blockers at suppliers.

- Coordinate containment actions with cross-functional teams to protect build timelines and improve reliability for upcoming launches.

- Drive resolution on critical path components at suppliers to prevent any disruption to the manufacturing schedule.

- Trace issues to the source, define corrective actions with engineering partners, and track closure or re-sourcing as required.

- Create issue tickets, approve disposition paths, and work closely with counterparts on rework, repair, or authorized use.

- Own end-to-end familiarity with systems, assemblies, and processes to become the main supply chain contact for defects.

- Partner with procurement to qualify new vendors, ensuring they can handle complex machining and meet aggressive production takt.

- Champion design for manufacturing reviews early, verifying that parts can be produced reliably before sourcing decisions.

- Lead new product introduction at suppliers for fresh parts or when changing sources, managing drawings and validation.

- Drive the production part approval process, reducing inspection overhead and shortening delivery times through disciplined process execution. Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a STEM field. * 3+ years producing mechanical parts in a manufacturing setting.

- Ability to read engineering drawings and apply GD&T while understanding machining, fabrication, and