Supplier Development Engineer, Injection Molding (Starlink)

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, INJECTION MOLDING (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production of Starlink products. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing departments as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative, and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for injection molded parts used in the Starlink products
• Work on the development of new plastic injection tooling projects to meet a wide range of product performance and cosmetic requirements
• Research and identify new materials, manufacturing technologies, and finish options
• Review DFM from the supplier, including gating strategy, Moldflow, and Mold Warp analysis
• Review and approve prototype/development tool designs, and tooling maintenance procedures
• Direct tooling modifications while ultimately responsible for approving first article inspection (FAI) reports, and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) reports
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of injection molded part, assembly, metrology, and/or sub-system design intent
• Support the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Create and define supplier technical and quality requirements based on customer requirements, program requirements, and expectations for NPI/production phases
• Lead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, production, and suppliers
• Define product technical requirements, and ensure supplier compliance with these requirements
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes, in order to drive supplier improvement plans
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrology for injection molded parts
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering
• 1+ years of experience in one of the following: injection molding process development, direct hands-on injection mold design, injection mold construction, and/or Mold Master

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for measuring and characterizing injection molded parts
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) principles and applications
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is based in Bastrop, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 50% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver's license