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.
SOURCING MANAGER, BEHIND-THE-METER (BTM) TRANSMISSION (STARLINK)
We are seeking an experienced Sourcing Manager to own end-to-end sourcing strategy, supplier management, and delivery of high-voltage behind-the-meter transmission infrastructure, including transmission poles, transmission lines, transducer, bushing, substations, and associated power delivery systems critical to large-scale AI training and inference clusters. In this role, you will partner directly with power systems engineers, electrical design teams, and energy infrastructure leads to define commodity strategy, build multi-year technology and capacity roadmaps, establish and maintain the approved vendor list, and secure reliable, high-quality supply at the aggressive build speeds required by SpaceXAI programs. You will negotiate high-impact agreements, accelerate delivery timelines, actively manage inventory and logistics, and continuously optimize for cost, quality, speed, reliability, and supply chain resilience in one of the fastest-moving AI power infrastructure programs on the planet. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous, high-velocity environments, possesses deep commercial acumen in energy and power systems, and has a proven track record delivering results in large-scale electrical transmission and distribution procurement.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Partner deeply with power systems engineers, electrical architects, and energy teams to co-define commodity strategy, multi-year technology and capacity roadmaps, and approved vendor lists for behind-the-meter transmission assets (high-voltage lines, substations, switchgear, transformers, and related equipment)
- Own global sourcing end-to-end, including aggressive supplier qualification, dual/multi-sourcing strategies, and performance management to deliver unprecedented on-time delivery and lead-time compression while supporting record-breaking cluster and facility build cadences
- Negotiate transformative commercial agreements that include competitive pricing, volume commitments, co-development of custom solutions, early access to new technologies, and priority allocation during industry shortages or grid constraints
- Deploy predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and real-time supply chain visibility tools to anticipate and mitigate risks (geopolitical, capacity, regulatory, permitting, or technology transition) before they impact build schedules
- Drive continuous cost leadership through value engineering, should-cost modeling, long-term pricing agreements, and total cost of ownership optimization while maintaining or exceeding the highest quality, reliability, and safety standards required for SpaceX/xAI power systems
- Lead supplier innovation programs, challenge and collaborate with vendors on custom designs, higher-efficiency components, modular/substation solutions, and standards that accelerate the hardware and facility roadmap while reducing total cost of ownership
- Build and maintain a world-class supply base through strategic relationships, regular executive business reviews, and joint development projects that position SpaceX/xAI as the preferred partner for cutting-edge power transmission infrastructure
- Establish clear KPIs for cost, quality, speed, and resilience that are reviewed regularly with leadership
- Act as a force multiplier across the organization by mentoring cross-functional teams on supply chain best practices and fostering a culture of ownership, speed, and technical depth
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following in lieu of a degree: Business Supply Chain Engineering
- 3+ years of experience in global supply chain, procurement, sourcing, or commodity management with a focus on power systems, electrical transmission, high-voltage equipment, or energy infrastructure
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Technical understanding of behind-the-meter transmission systems, high-voltage equipment, substations, transformers, switchgear, and power delivery architectures for hyperscale data centers or industrial facilities
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth technology, energy, or hyperscale infrastructure environments
- Previous experience at utilities, transmission developers, electrical OEMs, EPC firms, AI infrastructure companies, or power systems organizations
- Demonstrated success delivering results in ambiguous, high-velocity environments with extremely aggressive timelines
- Strong negotiation, analytical, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Familiarity with commodity management, long-lead equipment roadmap planning, vendor development, and approved vendor list processes
- Passion for SpaceX’s mission and excitement about contributing to the fastest AI infrastructure builds on Earth
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support supplier relationships and critical projects
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with rapidly evolving priorities and world-class execution speed
- This position is based in 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].
