Manufacturing Engineer, Supplier Development (Starlink)

Responsibilities

• Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starlink satellite systems
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of piece 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 and program requirements and expectations for NPI and 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
• Implement and monitor the production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plans
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and capabilities in manufacturing and metrology
• Identify and drive product & process improvements to lower part cost, reduce supply risk, eliminate potential defects, and improve cycle time
• Effectively manage mission-critical supply chain by establishing excellent working relationships and regular lines of communication with suppliers
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply base

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM discipline
• 2+ years of experience in one of the following: manufacturing, supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, or design engineering (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in engineering, business, or supply chain
• Manufacturing experience in an area such as CNC, Injection Molding, Castings, etc.
• Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive results
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) principles and applications
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for measuring and characterizing mechanical parts
• Knowledge of lean, production, and supply chain concepts
• 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 Redmond, WA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Able to travel: Up to 25-50% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver’s license