Manager, Datacenter Compute Infrastructure (Starlink)

SpaceX
Austin, TX
Career-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-level supply chain leaders who orchestrate hyperscale AI compute infrastructure and manage ODM/CM relationships.

Best fit for

  • Experienced in securing GPU/CPU supply for large-scale AI training clusters
    — “secure supply, and optimize for cost, quality, speed, and resilience
  • Leader capable of building teams for hyperscale compute sourcing
    — “Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing sourcing team
  • Negotiator with a track record of creative vendor agreements
    — “Negotiate major agreements focused on pricing, volume, technology access

Things to consider

  • Requires domestic and international travel for supplier engagements
    — “Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
  • Must be onsite in Austin or Palo Alto full-time
    — “This position is based in Austin, TX or Palo Alto, CA
  • US citizenship or permanent residency required due to ITAR
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national

How to stand out

  • Quantify past success in should-cost modeling for compute hardware
    — “Drive cost reduction through should-cost modeling, value engineering
  • Demonstrate crisis management in GPU supply chain disruptions
    — “Monitor supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans
  • Highlight cross-functional alignment with engineering on multi-year roadmaps
    — “align roadmaps with engineering and vendors
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · CompanyLevel · Manager

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • secured supply
  • optimized costs
  • managed supplier relationships
Typical background
supply chain managementhardware sourcing

Skills & requirements

Required

Sourcing And Supply Chain StrategyPeople ManagementHardware SourcingSupply Chain Risk Management

Preferred

Hyperscale AI Infrastructure ExperienceSpace Industry Experience

Stack & domain

Supply ChainProcurementCommodity ManagementLeadershipNegotiationAnalyticalDatacenter InfrastructureAI

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

MANAGER, DATACENTER COMPUTE INFRASTRUCTURE (STARLINK)

We are seeking a leader to build and manage the team responsible for sourcing and supply chain strategy for datacenter compute infrastructure. This role oversees GPU/accelerators, CPUs, storage, ODM/CM relationships, as well as server and rack components to support SpaceXAI’s large-scale AI training clusters and compute facilities. You will define overall commodity strategies, build team capabilities, align roadmaps with engineering and vendors, secure supply, and optimize for cost, quality, speed, and resilience. The ideal candidate is an experienced people leader with deep expertise in compute hardware sourcing and a track record of delivering results in hyperscale AI infrastructure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing sourcing team focused on GPU/accelerators, CPUs, storage, ODM/CM, servers, and racks

Define commodity strategies and multi-year roadmaps in partnership with engineering, architecture, and platform teams

Oversee end-to-end sourcing, supplier qualification, multi-sourcing, and performance management to meet aggressive build schedules

Orchestrate demand across SpaceXAI companies and align internal roadmaps with key vendors to secure preferential allocation and capacity

Negotiate major agreements focused on pricing, volume, technology access, and reliable delivery, using creative approaches as needed

Manage ODM/CM relationships and drive improvements in server and rack designs, cost, and delivery

Monitor supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans for critical compute components

Drive cost reduction through should-cost modeling, value engineering, and long-term agreements while maintaining quality and reliability standards

Track team and category KPIs; provide regular updates and recommendations to senior leadership

Foster strong cross-functional collaboration and promote effective supply chain practices across the organization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 12+ years of experience working in one or more of the following in leiu of a degree:

Business

Supply Chain

Engineering

6+ years of experience in global supply chain, procurement, or commodity management with a focus on compute hardware (GPUs, CPUs, storage, and/or servers)

3+ years of experience in people management

3+ years of experience building, leading, and managing sourcing teams

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Technical understanding of datacenter compute architectures, GPUs/accelerators, CPUs, storage systems, ODM/CM models, servers, and racks

Experience in fast-paced hyperscale or AI infrastructure environments

Background working with major compute suppliers, ODMs, and contract manufacturers

Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, and cross-functional skills

Proven ability to secure supply and manage costs in constrained, high-demand markets

Passion for SpaceXAI’s mission

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 or Palo Alto, CA, 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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