Sourcing Manager, Data Center Construction (Starlink)

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, DATA CENTER CONSTRUCTION (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, and to support xAI’s rapidly expanding compute infrastructure. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s and xAI’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class talent to help scale the physical infrastructure that powers it.

This Sourcing Manager role will own procurement and contract strategy for data center construction and capital equipment. The focus is to enable the build-out of high-density, high-reliability data centers that support xAI training and inference workloads. You will work closely with construction, facilities, engineering, and operations stakeholders to deliver sites on schedule, on budget, and at the quality bar required for mission-critical compute. SpaceX has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality, and delivery. This individual will support large-scale data center construction projects and associated capital purchases.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work directly with key internal stakeholders (construction, facilities, electrical/mechanical engineering, operations) to develop and implement a comprehensive contract management process that ensures successful data center project execution from design through commissioning
• Develop and execute equipment & services procurement strategies with primary focus on data center construction: civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, and related capital equipment
• Perform market analysis to determine should-costs and achieve the best purchasing deals for construction packages, long-lead equipment, and specialized data center services
• Create and negotiate contract documents (GC/CM, design-build, equipment supply, long-lead PO, service agreements) in collaboration with the legal department
• Track and report projected and actual spend, assess budgetary risk, and provide clear budgetary analysis to enable timely management team decision making on multi-hundred-million-dollar programs
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring clear communication, adherence to contracts, safety/quality performance, and resolution of any schedule, delivery, or performance issues
• Present value propositions to SpaceX/xAI management, including those related to contract award, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies, and critical path supply issues
• Identify and execute cost reduction and schedule acceleration projects including planning, coordinating with stakeholders, estimating completion, and project updates
• Perform advanced quantitative and business process analyses to identify financial impacts of decisions, cost improvement, and performance for assigned data center categories
• Create and implement management programs to develop, continuously improve, manage the performance of, and monitor KPIs of the construction and equipment supply base
• Lead and execute RFPs/RFQs to fulfill requirements for data center construction packages and capital equipment
• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices related to assigned categories
• Develop and lead efforts to reduce number of transactions and improve cycle time for critical path items

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; OR 9+ years of experience working in one or more of the following in lieu of a degree:
  • Engineering
  • Purchasing / procurement
  • Contract negotiation
  • Operations or supply chain management
  • Construction, facilities, or industrial plant / data center management

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong technical background to speak the language of data center engineers (construction, power, cooling, structural, IT fit-out) and strong business background to deal with contracts and negotiations
• Direct construction project management experience and/or construction cost estimating experience on large industrial, commercial, or data center projects
• Familiarity or experience in purchasing or similar procurement related to construction and capital equipment
• Experience in industrial engineering, construction management, facilities management, or hyperscale / enterprise data center delivery
• Strong budget tracking and cost analytical skills on large capital programs
• Extensive project management and organizational skills
• Experience managing large-scale industrial, commercial, or data center construction projects (preferably $50M+ packages)
• Strong contract negotiation and document management skills (AIA, or similar; equipment T&Cs)
• Remarkable problem-solving skills with a bias for speed
• Quick learner and ability to prioritize appropriately to meet aggressive data center delivery timelines
• Excellent customer service skills with internal construction and operations teams
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills
• Strong technical knowledge and skills in current technologies and applications (e.g. MS Office Suite, SQL, PowerBI, etc.)
• Ability to conduct all activities with the highest degree of integrity
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours - up to 50% work week travel may be required, including international travel and visits to active construction sites
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical construction and commissioning deadlines
• This position is based in Memphis, TN 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].