Sr. Supplier Development Engineer, Data Center (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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SR. SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER DATA CENTER (STARLINK)

SpaceX is on mission to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. We are looking for talented creative and driven data center 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 data centers. 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 activate some of the worlds most technically advanced facilities and data centers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze data center hardware and processes from a first principles physics-based approach with focus on data center hardware domain.
• Ability to own complex rack-level solutions system-level design decisions across mechanical electrical power thermal networking and software integration domains.
• Lead the integration of Reliability Availability and Serviceability (RAS) principles into data center strategy and architecture ensuring resilient high-performing infrastructure that consistently delivers maximum uptime and operational continuity.
• Experience in rack-level solution design and integration switch/server experience including compute (CPU-GPU) storage or networking hardware integration.
• Provide deep technical guidance on rack infrastructure including power distribution units (PDUs) cooling systems airflow design and high-density compute integration.
• Apply reliability methods and thermal engineering mechanical engineering and electronics to design accelerated test plans for design validation burn-in testing environmental stress screening (ESS) and ongoing reliability testing (ORT).
• Facilitate and lead design FMEA sessions to assess hardware risks determine validation test plans and drive reliable design choices.
• Develop hardware qualification criteria collaborate on functional and reliability requirements and drive system-level optimization for high-volume installation.
• Direct the supplier process modifications while ultimately responsible for approving first article inspection (FAI) reports and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) reports.
• Collaborate with design materials and infrastructure engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of hardware components and drive root cause corrective action with suppliers.
• 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 reliability lessons learned to enable continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership proactivity technical excellence creativity self-direction and courage.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering electrical engineering electronics engineering or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in data center hardware design integration or manufacturing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering electrical engineering electronics engineering or related field.
• 7 years of experience focused on hyperscale or large-scale data center development and execution of complex rack solutions.
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis including DOE significance testing sample sizes and confidence level using statistical tools such as JMP and Python.
• Working knowledge of failure analysis techniques such as optical microscopy SEM CSAM FIB X-ray cross-sectioning and EDX.
• Experience in thermal analysis and data center cooling systems.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is based in Bastrop TX or Memphis TN or Palo Alto CA 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 30% of work week travel may be required
• Valid drivers license

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.