Sr. Metallurgical Engineer, Supply Chain (Starship)

SR. METALLURGICAL ENGINEER, SUPPLY CHAIN (STARSHIP)

This position will support our Starship program and requires a combination of proven leadership and technical capabilities. This is a highly technical position that requires practical experience in process engineering and new product development through to stabilized production for the machined components and assemblies used in rockets and rocket engines. The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of the machining and assembly of metallic components and associated processes with the desire and capability to take on new challenges in unfamiliar areas to help enable our mission to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead new cutting-edge material development at mills for proprietary SpaceX materials
• Enforce strict requirements at mills world-wide to ensure we are receiving aerospace-grade materials for the Starship program
• Act as the metallurgical point of contact for all purchased metallic raw materials and semi-finished products; coil products, sheet metal, stainless steels, mill products, castings, forgings, tubing, etc. used on our vehicles and engines, solving emergent challenges at suppliers and mitigating risk to the manifest by addressing high-impact manufacturing and quality challenges
• Lead technical quality issue and non-conformance resolution, while functioning as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing and suppliers
• Work with procurement to source exceptional suppliers and qualify them appropriately for quality and the ability to meet our aggressive takt times
• Partner with suppliers to develop the capability to produce products unique to SpaceX, typically expanding their product line into new materials and/or processes
• Develop and approve process controls to control critical characteristics
• Conduct design for manufacturing (DFM) reviews to ensure parts are manufacturable at early stages, preferably prior to sourcing
• Own the new product introduction (NPI) process at suppliers for new parts, drawing changes, or when re-sourcing existing parts to a new supplier
• Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risks to quality and delivery, and potential defect opportunities
• Review and assess supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Provide feedback as appropriate on manufacturing methods and technologies
• Manage supplier improvement plans
• Improve quality performance of suppliers by conducting workshops at supplier locations, providing technical assistance in developing a quality system, or other technical support as required
• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction, and courage
• Drive for results and customer satisfaction
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and continuously drive improvement in the supply base

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or materials discipline
• 5+ years of experience with manufacturing, materials, or process engineering 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in metallurgical engineering or materials science & engineering
• 2+ years of experience with TIG, MIG, and resistance welding of stainless steel
• Familiarity with metallic mill products in the alloys and product forms used on our launch vehicle and engines, primarily stainless steels
• Experience with coil products, tubings, castings and/or forgings
• Broad familiarity with the ancillary processes associated with the production of metallic parts, e.g., NDE, heat treatment, etc.
• Technical capabilities including knowledge of 2D blueprints and model drawings
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes; Production Part Approval Process, Advanced Product Quality Planning, First Article Inspection Reports, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods like design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.
• Experience with Quality Systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
• Disciplined approach to problem solving - 8D
• Proficient in MS Office applications and report writing
• Knowledge of lean concepts
• Experience with sharing information and influencing others; strong written and verbal communication skills, able to liaise cross functionally, internally and externally, make presentations to team members and management
• Experience with MRP or ERP systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to work extended hours, some nights and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones
• Must be able to travel - up to 50% work week travel may be required, including international travel
• This position is based in Brownsville, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered