p>RESPONSIBILITIES: • Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in the Starlink satellite and ground station 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 • Drive design for manufacturing feedback and best practices with peer teams for efficient and highly scalable production designs • 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.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master's degree in optics, engineering, business, or supply chain • 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.) • 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.