Sr. Global Supply Manager, Battery and Raw Materials (Starlink)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. GLOBAL SUPPLY MANAGER, BATTERY AND RAW MATERIALS (STARLINK)

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink constellation is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world. To capitalize on our technical and market success, our team will execute large-scale projects that will define the bottom-line for the Starlink program. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, inventory management, negotiation of supplier contracts and pricing, and developing the commodity strategy.

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow for Starlink production, with a tight focus on Starlink batteries and their constituent raw materials. You will work in close coordination with engineering and manufacturing departments, executing effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, sourcing managers can see their assemblies come to life every day!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop deep expertise in battery cell chemistries, materials (anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, separators, current collectors), and manufacturing processes to qualify suppliers and resolve technical supply issues

• Manage sourcing and risk for critical battery raw materials and compounds (lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, silicon, manganese, lithium salts, electrolytes, etc.), including price volatility, geopolitical constraints, and ethical/sustainability requirements

• Evaluate and qualify battery cell manufacturers and material suppliers on technical capabilities such as cell performance (energy density, cycle life, safety), production yield, quality systems, and scalability.

• Drive supply chain strategies for battery-specific challenges including long-lead custom cells, cell-to-pack integration components, and emerging technologies

• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices

• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply signals to adjust incoming material

• Track high-risk components and ongoing supplier delivery performance

• Communicate clearly and rapidly to influence decisions of vendors and senior leadership

• Interpret engineering drawings and BOMs

• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency

• Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities

• Author contract documents with the legal department and ensure that vendors comply with all agreements.

• Negotiate with suppliers to maximize value and cost savings while lowering risk

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree and 9+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or bachelor’s degree and 11+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 15+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
  • Engineering
  • Purchasing
  • Contract negotiation
  • Material or production planning
  • Operations or supply chain management
  • Material cost control
  • Master production scheduling
  • Capital equipment sourcing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with MRP or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, as well as, managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders

• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis

• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environments

• Capability to prioritize multiple on-going projects

• Strong track record for achieving results; must be able to reference wins and quantify impact

• Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, and PowerBI

• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication, etc.

• Familiar with common material finishes and coatings, including paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment, etc.

• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications

• Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel

• Demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous situations and across organizational boundaries

• History of self-learning & application of newly learned tools & techniques

• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours

• Ability to travel: up to 20-50% of work week

• Must be able to work onsite in Redmond, WA. Remote work not considered.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: Sr. Global Supply Manager: $160,000.00 - $210,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.