Supplier Development Engineer, PCBA (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · 3+ years experience · Posted Sep 23, 2026

At a glance

This is a high-profile, cross-functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Starlink Satellites.
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 achieve production goals.

Own continuity of supply and improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for photonic piece-part components and optical subassemblies used in Starlink Satellites
Collaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, 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
Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers
Create, define, and implement supplier technical and quality requirements based on 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
Ensure qualification and reliability activities at suppliers are in line with requirements
Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps and root causes to drive supplier improvement plans

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
Experience with photonics or electronics manufacturing, including photonic piece-part components (pumps, fiber, lenses, combiners, isolators, and/or filters); OR wire bonding, active alignment, fiber splicing, OR PCBA manufacturing
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines
Ability to travel: Up to 60% work week travel may be required
Valid driver’s license
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Master’s degree in an engineering discipline, business, or supply chain
6+ years of experience in supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, manufacturing, or design engineering
Proven track record of taking ownership of projects, negotiating successfully to reduce costs, and influencing engineering customers to drive results
Working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, DOEs, six sigma, lean methods, 8D etc.) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
Knowledge of lean, production, and supply chain concepts
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and management
Ability to act quickly in a fast-moving and high-stress environment

Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Paid vacation (3 weeks) and 10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law

Up to 60% work week travel may be required
Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday