About the role
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 of enabling human life on Mars. MATERIAL FLOW ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven material flow engineers to drive manufacturing tools and processes, from initial concept development to full-scale production, and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases. You will own the relationship between the engineering development and production teams. The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, security, and user experience of the products that you deliver. This role involves using lean material flow principles, data analytics, problem solving, modeling, and project management skills to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of all materials. If you seek a fast-paced, dynamic environment; if you thrive on solving difficult problems where resolutions have high impact; if you love managing through persuasion, and if you love the challenge of building something from scratch, then this role will be an ideal next career step.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Process Design and Optimization: Design and implement innovative strategies for efficient material flow from receipt to the lineside and any reverse logistics required. Understand critical part flow categories to develop specific plans that will allow Starbase to achieve significant scale. Use value stream mapping to ensure end-to-end process optimization. Factory and Warehouse Layout Planning: Develop and implement conceptual and detailed layouts for material flow and storage to achieve targeted inventory levels. Ensure that storage strategies are aligned across the supply chain and achieve maximum desired part density considering all available facility volume. Build and use space capacity models to ensure we have adequate storage solutions. Develop Materials Management Resource Plans: Using lean material flow principles and industry best practices, develop labor and equipment models to match the material flow strategies. Conduct time studies as needed to determine resource efficiency and implement procedures to track improvements. Ensure that all material handling equipment is optimized for the processes being supported. Part Packaging and Rack Flow: Develop cost effective and sustainable packaging solutions for use between vendors and SpaceX and within Starbase facilities. Ensure that the packaging optimizes for total landed cost by considering logistics density and handling efficiency, while maintaining required quality standards. Work with external packaging and tooling vendors as well as internal teams to get right-sized packaging fleets built in time to support program targets. Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, SQL) to assess material flow performance metrics, identify issues, and develop data-driven solutions. Support the Materials Management operations teams as needed with decision making. Safety and Training: Conduct risk assessments and implement measures to ensure that all Materials Management processes adhere to federal, state, local and SpaceX safety standards. Conduct periodic audits to ensure that safe conditions do not develop, all processes are being completed per design standards and any equipment in use remains adequate for the process it supports. Develop and lead training for new processes and equipment, Project Collaboration: Collaborate with Engineering, Production and Supply Chain teams across SpaceX on critical projects to ensure stakeholder buy-in is achieved and everyone is working towards a common target state. As needed, conduct sessions to keep all cross-functional teams aligned. BASIC