Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Data Operations)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

MANAGER STRATEGIC SOURCING (DATA OPERATIONS)

Were hiring a leader to build and run SpaceXAIs data operations team. This team defines the sourcing strategy and vets high-quality training data manages vendor relationships and works directly with research to close model gaps and improve performance. Youll partner with external vendors on evaluations and specialized datasets that support training validation and ongoing model work. This team also owns data quality standards and must deliver datasets that hit our cost quality and speed targets. Were looking for an experienced people leader with a strong background in data operations or technical sourcing and a proven record of delivering in high-pressure environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build lead and mentor a high-performing sourcing team focused on acquiring high-quality data that aligns with research needs and model performance
• Source and co-develop datasets with vendor partners to meet the increasing complexity of our models
• Oversee the global supplier network including end-to-end sourcing and supplier qualification to meet acquisition and delivery targets
• Negotiate major agreements covering pricing volume quality exclusivity and delivery reliability committing budget only to datasets that meaningfully improve model performance
• Continuously improve standardize and scale sourcing processes workflows tools and planning systems
• Track team and category KPIs and provide regular updates and recommendations to senior leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree and 4 years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 10 years of experience working in one or more of the following in lieu of a degree:
  • Business
  • Supply chain
  • Engineering
  • Procurement
  • Strategy and operations
  • Technology

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Technical understanding of AI training data including annotations evaluations research datasets and how dataset quality affects model performance
• Experience in fast-paced AI ML or data infrastructure environments
• Background building or managing global supplier networks for services data or other high-variability commodities
• Strong leadership negotiation analytical and cross-functional skills
• Proven ability to secure supply and manage cost quality and delivery against aggressive targets
• Experience with data analysis spend analysis and performance metrics
• Ability to tackle complex and ambiguous problems with high ownership
• Passion for SpaceXAIs mission

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$155000.00 - $215000.00

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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual carryover and use requirements of the law.

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 SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.