The posting
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.
GLOBAL SUPPLY MANAGER, DATACENTER COOLING EQUIPMENT (STARLINK)
We are seeking a world-class Global Supply Manager to own end-to-end sourcing strategy, supplier management, and delivery of datacenter cooling equipment and supporting systems for SpaceX's hyperscale AI clusters. This role covers mechanical cooling infrastructure (dry coolers, chillers, pumps, CDUs), auxiliary piping, valves, controls/instrumentation, and chemicals/consumables. You will partner deeply with responsible engineers and thermal systems teams to define commodity strategy, build multi-year roadmaps, establish approved vendor lists, and secure supply at the extreme velocity and scale SpaceX demands. You will negotiate transformative agreements, deploy predictive supply chain tools, drive supplier co-innovation, and turn cooling infrastructure procurement into a strategic force multiplier that ensures maximum uptime, energy efficiency, and rapid deployment for SpaceX's power-dense training clusters. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in datacenter or industrial cooling systems, thrives in high-velocity environments, and excels at managing both capital equipment and recurring consumables.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Partner deeply with responsible engineers, thermal architects, and facility teams to co-define commodity strategy, multi-year technology roadmaps, and approved vendor lists for mechanical cooling systems (dry coolers, chillers, pumps, CDUs), auxiliary piping/valves, controls/instrumentation, and chemicals/consumables, anticipating SpaceX's cooling demand and density requirements 12–24 months ahead
- Own global sourcing end-to-end for cooling equipment, systems, and consumables, including aggressive supplier qualification, dual/multi-sourcing strategies, and performance management to deliver >98% on-time delivery and lead-time compression while supporting SpaceX's record-breaking cluster build cadence
- Negotiate transformative commercial agreements that include not only pricing and volume but also co-development commitments, dedicated manufacturing capacity, lead-time reductions, NRE funding models, priority allocation during shortages, and flexible supply programs for chemicals/consumables
- Deploy predictive analytics, AI-driven demand forecasting, and real-time supply chain visibility tools to anticipate and mitigate risks (long-lead equipment delays, component shortages, fluid chemistry changes, or geopolitical factors) before they impact cooling system deployment or cluster operations
- Drive continuous cost leadership through should-cost modeling, value engineering of cooling assemblies and piping designs, specification optimization, and long-term pricing agreements for both capital equipment and recurring consumables while maintaining or exceeding the highest reliability, efficiency, and redundancy standards required for SpaceX training clusters
- Lead supplier innovation programs — challenge and collaborate with vendors on custom high-efficiency designs, modular cooling packages, advanced controls integration, low-GWP refrigerants, optimized piping/valve configurations, and next-generation CDU/pump technologies that accelerate SpaceX's hardware roadmap and reduce total cost of ownership
- Build and maintain a world-class hybrid supply base through strategic relationships with OEMs, component suppliers, and chemical providers, regular executive business reviews, joint development projects, and performance scorecards that position SpaceX as the preferred high-velocity partner for advanced datacenter cooling solutions
- Standardize and automate procurement, NPI, inventory optimization (including just-in-time and consignment models for consumables), and installation support processes tailored to SpaceX's build velocity; establish clear KPIs for cost, quality, speed, system efficiency, and resilience reviewed weekly with leadership
- Champion sustainability and supply chain ethics initiatives, including responsible sourcing of critical materials, supplier carbon footprint reduction targets, low-global-warming-potential cooling technologies, water usage optimization, and circular economy practices for cooling equipment and consumables
- Stay at the forefront of industry trends in datacenter liquid and air cooling, high-density thermal management, controls systems, and fluid chemistry; translate these into actionable strategies that keep SpaceX at the bleeding edge of cooling performance, power efficiency, and deployment speed
- Act as a force multiplier across the organization by mentoring cross-functional teams on cooling supply chain best practices and fostering a culture of ownership, speed, technical depth, and relentless optimization
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 10+ years of experience working in one or more of the following: Business Supply Chain Engineering Energy
- 5+ years of experience in global supply chain, procurement, or commodity management with a focus on cooling systems, HVAC, mechanical infrastructure, or industrial fluid systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Deep technical understanding of datacenter cooling technologies (dry coolers, chillers, CDUs, pumps), piping/valve systems, controls/instrumentation, and chemical consumables, along with knowledge of liquid cooling architectures
- Proven track record managing sourcing for capital cooling equipment and supporting components/consumables in hyperscale, data center, or heavy industrial environments
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth technology or infrastructure companies with aggressive scaling demands
- Previous experience at hyperscalers, data center operators, cooling OEMs (e.g., Trane, Carrier, Vertiv), EPC firms, or industrial fluid system providers
- Demonstrated success delivering results in ambiguous, high-velocity environments with extremely aggressive timelines and massive scale
- Strong negotiation, analytical, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Familiarity with commodity management, long-lead equipment procurement, roadmap planning, and approved vendor list processes
- Passion for SpaceX's mission and excitement about enabling the fastest AI infrastructure build on Earth
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support supplier factories, equipment testing, and critical projects at SpaceX data centers
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with rapidly evolving priorities and world-class execution speed
- Location: Bastrop, TX or Austin, TX and requires being onsite
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].
