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 flawless performance under extreme conditions.
Role type
Supplier Development Engineer (Mechanical Hardware & Fasteners)
Builds
Starship flight hardware supply chain
Domain
Aerospace manufacturing & fastener engineering
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work -> production hardware supply chain
Required skills
Supplier selection and qualification, Process validation (PPAP, FAIR), Root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why), Supplier capability assessment, Quality system management (AS9100, ISO 9001), Manufacturing process knowledge (forging, heat treat, plating), GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation, Statistical process control (SPC, DOE), CAD collaboration
Preferred skills
Mechanical fasteners and joining hardware expertise, Destructive/nondestructive inspection methods, Aerospace standards (NAS, AN, MS, ASTM, AMS), Lean manufacturing, Automation implementation, Minitab proficiency
Technologies
PPAP, FAIR, PFMEA, MSA, GD&T, CAD, Minitab, AS9100, ISO 9001
Responsibilities
Lead new product introduction (NPI) and work transfers for fastener and hardware products, Resolve emergent manufacturing and quality issues threatening flight schedules, Drive production part approval and process validation, Lead containment on nonconforming hardware and prevent recurrence, Root-cause defects at supplier or SpaceX, Partner with design engineering to improve part designs for manufacturability, Assess supplier capability and capacity, Work with procurement to grow exceptional suppliers, Serve as SpaceX's SAE representative
Seniority
Mid-level, hands-on IC