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Starshield Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

QUALITY INSPECTOR (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

The Starshield team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next-gen communication and sensing software, and more. As a ...

The Starshield team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next-gen communication and sensing software, and more. As a ...

Showing results 21-40

Starshield information

What is Starshield?

Starshield is a satellite communications program developed by SpaceX, designed to provide secure and reliable satellite-based services for government and defense applications. It builds upon SpaceX's existing Starlink network but adds enhanced security, encryption, and customization to meet the needs of national security and government agencies. Starshield aims to offer global connectivity, Earth observation, and hosted payload capabilities. The program is intended to support a wide range of missions, including secure communications, remote sensing, and data relay, making it a versatile solution for government and military users.

What are the typical challenges faced when working on the Starshield team, and how do team members address them?

Working on the Starshield team often involves rapidly adapting to evolving technologies and mission requirements, as projects are highly innovative and may have strict security or confidentiality demands. Team members commonly collaborate across multidisciplinary groups, including software, hardware, and aerospace engineering, which requires strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. To address these challenges, Starshield team members regularly participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, agile development cycles, and cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment and maintain project momentum. This dynamic environment fosters continuous learning and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Starshield engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Starshield engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, satellite communications, and systems integration, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in space technologies. Familiarity with tools such as satellite control software, encryption protocols, and mission planning systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the reliability, security, and success of complex satellite missions for government and defense clients.

What is the difference between Starshield vs Cybersecurity Specialist?

AspectStarshieldCybersecurity Specialist
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, specialized trainingCertifications like CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractorsPrivate sector, corporate, government
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, national securityIT firms, finance, healthcare
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Starshield roles focus on national security and defense-related cybersecurity, often requiring security clearances and working within government or defense sectors. Cybersecurity Specialists have broader roles across various industries, with certifications like CISSP or CEH, and work in private or public sectors. While both roles involve protecting digital assets, Starshield positions are more specialized for government defense projects, whereas Cybersecurity Specialists have a wider industry application.

What job categories do people searching Starshield jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Starshield jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Starshield jobs?

Cities in California with the most Starshield job openings:

Infographic showing various Starshield job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Sourcing Specialist, Mechanical (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SOURCING SPECIALIST, MECHANICAL (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

As a member of the Starshield Supply Chain team you will manage the demand plan and sourcing for hardware used on, and in the making of, the Starshield satellite constellation. Our team moves quickly and you must too. SpaceX has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers to be better with us as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality and speed of execution. The functions within the department include procurement, planning and fulfillment, supplier development and quality, logistics, and inventory. This roles scope will help enable rate production in the satellite factory of the future!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices related to assigned category
  • Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply signals to adjust incoming material
  • Track high risk components and supplier delivery performance
  • Communicate clearly and rapidly to influence decisions of vendors and senior leadership
  • Interpret engineering drawings and Bill of Material (BOMs)
  • Create sourcing strategies for all mechanical custom and Commercial Off the Self (COTS) hardware
  • Develop a preferred supplier network and leverage it to minimize cost and lead time for the fabrication and delivery of parts
  • Supported commodities include but are not limited to machined parts, electromechanical equipment, large machining, finish processes, mechanical assemblies, etc.
  • Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency
  • Manage outsource fabrication projects including planning, coordinating with stakeholders, estimating completion, and manage vendor performance
  • Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities
  • Responsible for authoring of contract documents with the legal department
  • Management of contracts ensuring performance of the supplier to contract obligations
  • Understand interrelationships between contracts and terms while applying creativity and sound business reasoning to interpret application of contract to business needs
  • Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings benefit while lowering risk

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 2+ years of professional experience in technical sourcing, procurement, or planning
  • Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication, etc.
  • Familiar with common material finishes and coatings, including paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment etc.
  • Experience with Material Resource Planning (MRP) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and with managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders.
  • American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications
  • Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis
  • Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL and PowerBI
  • Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel
  • Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs
  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
  • Ability to conduct all activities with integrity and urgency

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed, up to 25% travel
  • Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends when needed
  • This position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:    
Sourcing Specialist/Level I: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US