Supplier Development Engineer, Hardware & Fasteners (Starship)
Core
Own the mechanical hardware commodity (fasteners, dynamic hardware, fluid control) for Starship from supplier selection through rate production, ensuring reliability under extreme conditions.
Role type
Supplier Development Engineer (Mechanical Hardware & Fasteners)
Builds
Starship flight hardware supply chain
Domain
Aerospace / Mechanical Manufacturing
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Supplier selection and qualification, Process validation (PPAP, FAIR), Root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why), Statistical process control (SPC, DOE), Supplier capacity assessment, GD&T reading, CAD collaboration, Quality system management (AS9100, ISO 9001), Lean manufacturing
Preferred skills
Mechanical fasteners and joining hardware expertise, Heat treat and surface finishing knowledge, Destructive and nondestructive inspection methods, Aerospace standards (NAS, AN, MS, ASTM, AMS), Minitab usage, Design for manufacturability
Technologies
Minitab, CAD
Responsibilities
Own the mechanical hardware commodity for Starship from supplier selection through rate production, Serve as the primary technical point of contact for assigned parts and suppliers, Lead new product introduction (NPI) and work transfers for fastener and hardware products, Drive production part approval and process validation, Lead containment on nonconforming hardware, Root-cause defects at the supplier or SpaceX, Partner with design and manufacturing engineering to improve part designs, Assess supplier capability and capacity, Work with procurement to identify and grow exceptional suppliers, Become the go-to expert on parts and processes, Serve as SpaceX's SAE representative
Seniority
Mid-level, hands-on IC