Manufacturing Engineer – Supplier Development, Optics & Optomechanical Systems (Starlink)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $100,000–$115,000 / yr
Posted: today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $150k

This role $108k

$91k most similar roles pay here $180k

This role pays less than 90% of similar roles. Most pay $129,000–$170,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $108k versus about $150k for comparable roles.

Based on 237 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Manufacturing Engineer – Supplier Development, Optics & Optomechanical Systems (Starlink)

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As a Supplier Development Engineer at SpaceX’s Starlink Space Lasers team, you will play a crucial role in developing and scaling the supply base for cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems. Your daily responsibilities include improving quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware used in Starlink satellites and ground stations, collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to drive efficient production designs, and sourcing parts that match supplier competencies through detailed assessments of their processes and quality systems. You will also lead the resolution of supplier quality issues, define technical requirements, and ensure compliance with these standards while implementing PPAP for rate production. This role requires expertise in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design, along with hands-on laboratory experience and a strong sense of ownership and creativity.

Skills

Optics Photonics Laser Technology Precision Mechanical Design Manufacturing Engineering Process Engineering Supply Chain Management Production Part Approval Process Quality Systems Supplier Technical Requirements Root Cause Analysis Product Technical Requirements CI/CD Lean Manufacturing Metrology CAD DFM Six Sigma

What you'll do

Improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics for mechanical hardware.
Drive design for manufacturing feedback to ensure efficient production designs.
Strategically source parts by assessing supplier competencies and processes.
Define technical and quality requirements based on customer and program needs.
Lead resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline
2+ years of experience in manufacturing and process engineering
Hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design
Master’s degree in optics, engineering, business, or supply chain (preferred)
Proven ability to take ownership of projects and negotiate cost reductions
Experience with supplier technical requirements and quality systems implementation

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