SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT 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 engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

As a Supplier Development Engineer focused on Final Assembly, Test and Packout for Starlink, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and scalability of the user terminal manufacturing at our global suppliers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Planning, proposing, and leading experiments to produce timely and accurate analyses used to drive design, development, and supply chain decisions, with a focus on scalability for high volume manufacturing.
• Assessing the suitability of a fabrication technology for a given part design, including its potential for automation and cost-effective mass production.
• Planning validation exercises to demonstrate initial feasibility as well as manufacturing capability at high volumes, incorporating throughput modeling and yield optimization.
• Analyzing results of validation exercises and provide technical recommendations to enhance efficiency and reduce variability in large-scale production.
• Reviewing progress of development activities at supplier locations and serve as point of escalation for critical process related issues, ensuring alignment with high volume ramp-up requirements. 
• Drive process development and capability assessment activities, reviewing part design documentation to ensure alignment with process capability for high volume manufacturing, including DFM principles for scalability and automation.
• Assigns specific tasks and work with SpaceX suppliers to support process development and/or data gathering activities aimed at achieving consistent high throughput and low defect rates. 
• Set clear goals for results and provide timely reviews of performance throughout program, emphasizing metrics for production efficiency and cost per unit.
• Establish validation procedures to figure out acceptance of tooling into development builds as well as mass production, incorporating statistical process controls and capacity planning for high volume output. 
• Review supplier tool design, process flow, equipment selection, DFM, and DOE proposals, with emphasis on their suitability for high volume manufacturing, such as automated lines and rapid cycle times.
• Identify shortfalls and corrective actions to ensure design compliance and scalability to meet production demands.
• Work with supplier engineering teams to map out process development exercises, secure resources, and commit to schedules in line with program goals, including ramp-up plans for high volume output.
• Assess supplier readiness to support build events and production ramp, evaluating infrastructure for sustained high throughput and supply chain resilience.
• Identify potential execution issues and provide recommendations to mitigate risk, focusing on minimizing downtime and optimizing yield in mass production environments. 
• Apply solid understanding of quality control and manufacturing concepts to develop specific Product Quality Plan (PQP) appropriate to program and commodity, tailored for high volume manufacturing with advanced statistical methods and automated inspection.
• Coordinate all Quality Engineering functions for a program, serving as project manager to lead efforts at supplier locations, ensuring robust processes for large-scale production.
• Actively participate in the program planning and monitoring process assuming responsibility for key deliverables at all milestones, including quality gates for volume ramp-up. 
• Provide technical direction and guidance to other Quality Engineers supporting the implementation of the PQP, promoting continuous improvement for high yield operations.
• Assess measurability and creatively address concerns directly with stakeholders, incorporating real-time monitoring tools for high volume lines.
• Identify and direct studies to implement improvements in measuring method where appropriate, such as adopting AI-driven analytics for defect prediction. 
• Establish audit procedures appropriate to program and supplier to ensure adherence to SpaceX quality standards, with frequency scaled for high production volumes.
• Implement FAI and Cp/Cpk reviews of mechanical parts, extending to ongoing process capability monitoring for sustained high volume performance.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in one of the following: supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, manufacturing, or design engineering.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in PCBA manufacturing.
• Professional experience with SMT processes (e.g., screen printing, pick-and-place, reflow, wave soldering, and inspection).
• Engineering degree in electrical or mechanical engineering.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma certification, or Lean manufacturing principles applied.
• Proven track record of production ramp-up for high-volume electronics manufacturing, preferably in consumer electronics.
• Strong understanding of PCBA failure modes, defect analysis, and quality control methodologies (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, Pareto, PFMEA, DOE, SPC), with the ability to develop Product Quality Plans (PQP), implement FAI and Cp/Cpk reviews, and establish audit procedures tailored for high production volumes.
• Hands-on experience with failure analysis.
• Experience in analyzing large datasets and dispositioning hardware based on data.
• 5+ years of experience in SMT engineering, including leadership roles in supplier development or process engineering for complex consumer electronics systems and/or 5+ years of experience in Final Assembly, Test and Packout.
• Expertise in advanced SMT technologies, such as fine-pitch components, BGA/CSP assembly, selective soldering, and high-mix/low-volume to high-volume transitions.
• Knowledge of environmental testing and reliability standards for consumer electronics (e.g., vibration, thermal cycling).
• Prior experience in the consumer electronics industry, particularly with high volume hardware assembly.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is based in VN 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 50% work week travel may be required to suppliers within Vietnam.

AT A GLANCE:

An exciting opportunity is now available at the Ho Chi Minh office to join one of the world’s fastest-growing sports companies. As a Product Engineer, you will provide technical guidance and engineering solutions to ensure products are thoroughly engineered and successfully move through commercialization for On’s LightSpray products. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be an essential member of the LightSpray Team, with regular travel throughout Asia required. 

YOUR MISSION: 

• Manage engineering activities related to On’s LightSpray product, ensuring seamless progression through each stage. 
• Integrate sole material innovation into tooling creation, promoting advancements in product design and manufacturing. 
• Collaborate closely with Developers and Tooling Engineers to ensure the creation of uppers is effectively linked to tooling creation, making key connections between each phase.
• Lead quality checks of bottom units prior to shipment to T1 partners, maintaining high standards for every component. 
• Embody and promote our commitment to sustainability and quality, driving initiatives that distinguish On from other brands. 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking a Footwear Product Engineer who demonstrates a passion for innovation in athletic footwear and strives for the highest levels of performance. The ideal candidate will thrive in ambiguous situations, bringing structure and clarity to engineering challenges and helping drive decision-making. Adaptability and motivation to keep pace with On’s fast growth are essential. We value team players who can collaborate laterally and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

YOUR STORY:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Tooling Engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training are also acceptable. 
• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant industry experience in manufacturing or research and development, including manufacturing, industrial or mechanical engineering, and tooling engineering. 
• Extensive expertise in the molding process, equipment, materials, and mold tooling. 
• Solid understanding of product fabrication, tooling, materials, and manufacturing methods. 
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, sketches, and 3D digital files. 
• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and simultaneously manage several projects requiring innovative ideas and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong digital literacy, including familiarity with Google Workspace, spreadsheets, database management, and proficiency with 2D/3D CAD/CAM tools and pattern engineering software, is highly desired. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 10%, as business needs require.