What are the key technical skills required for the Global Supply Manager role at SpaceX?

The Global Supply Manager role at SpaceX requires a deep technical understanding of datacenter cooling technologies such as dry coolers, chillers, CDUs, pumps, piping/valve systems, controls/instrumentation, and chemical consumables. Experience with liquid cooling architectures and managing sourcing for capital cooling equipment in hyperscale or heavy industrial environments is crucial.

What kind of experience is most valuable for a Global Supply Manager at SpaceX?

SpaceX values candidates with at least 5+ years of global supply chain, procurement, or commodity management experience focused on cooling systems, HVAC, mechanical infrastructure, or industrial fluid systems. Experience in fast-paced, high-growth technology or infrastructure companies with aggressive scaling demands is highly preferred.

How does SpaceX approach supplier management for critical equipment like datacenter cooling?

SpaceX focuses on building and maintaining a world-class hybrid supply base through strategic relationships with OEMs, component suppliers, and chemical providers. This involves regular executive business reviews, joint development projects, and performance scorecards to ensure SpaceX is a preferred partner for advanced cooling solutions.

What are the expected work arrangements for this Global Supply Manager position?

This Global Supply Manager position at SpaceX requires the candidate to be onsite in Bastrop, TX or Austin, TX. While there's an onsite requirement, the nature of global supply management often involves travel to supplier factories and project sites.

How can I demonstrate my ability to handle high-velocity environments for the Global Supply Manager role at SpaceX?

To demonstrate your ability to handle high-velocity environments, emphasize in your application and interview your experience in fast-paced settings, your success in meeting aggressive timelines, your ability to manage multiple priorities, and your proactive approach to problem-solving and risk mitigation in critical supply chain operations.

What does SpaceX expect in terms of negotiation for this role?

For this role, SpaceX expects transformative negotiation skills that go beyond pricing and volume. This includes securing co-development commitments, dedicated manufacturing capacity, lead-time reductions, NRE funding models, priority allocation during shortages, and flexible supply programs for consumables, all crucial for SpaceX's rapid development pace.

Can you provide an example of a 'transformative agreement' SpaceX seeks?

A 'transformative agreement' for SpaceX might involve a long-term contract with a cooling equipment supplier that includes not only competitive pricing but also a commitment from the supplier to invest in dedicated production lines for SpaceX, co-develop next-generation cooling technologies, and guarantee prioritized allocation of components during global shortages.

What is the role of data analytics and AI in this Global Supply Manager position?

SpaceX utilizes predictive analytics, AI-driven demand forecasting, and real-time supply chain visibility tools. As a Global Supply Manager, you will deploy and leverage these tools to anticipate and mitigate supply chain risks proactively, ensuring uninterrupted cooling system deployment and cluster operations.

Global Supply Manager, Datacenter Cooling Equipment (Starlink)

SpaceX · Austin, TX

On site
Full-time
$140,000 / year
Austin, TX

Tailored resume — keyword-matched to this role.

Hiring manager — we find who's hiring.

Intro email — drafted to reach them directly.

Job highlights

Own sourcing strategy for datacenter cooling equipment.
Manage global suppliers and drive delivery performance.
Negotiate transformative commercial agreements.
Deploy predictive supply chain tools.
Lead supplier innovation for cooling solutions.

About the role

Global Supply Manager, Datacenter Cooling Equipment (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.

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Key skills/competency

Global Supply Management
Datacenter Cooling Equipment
Procurement Strategy
Supplier Management
Negotiation
Cost Leadership
Supply Chain Visibility
Continuous Improvement
Sustainability Initiatives
Thermal Management

Skills & topics

Global Supply Manager
Datacenter Cooling
Procurement
Supply Chain
HVAC
Mechanical Infrastructure
Industrial Fluid Systems
Starlink
SpaceX
AI Clusters
Commodity Management
Supplier Management
Negotiation
Cost Reduction
Risk Mitigation
High-Velocity Environment
Capital Equipment
Consumables
Thermal Management
Engineering
Business
Energy
ITAR
EEOCompliance@spacex.com

How to get hired

Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in global supply chain, cooling systems, and procurement, using keywords from the job description like 'datacenter cooling', 'commodity management', and 'supplier negotiation'.
Showcase relevant experience: Quantify your achievements in previous roles, demonstrating success in managing capital equipment and consumables, and driving on-time delivery and cost reductions.
Understand SpaceX culture: Research SpaceX's mission and values. Emphasize your ability to thrive in high-velocity, demanding environments and your passion for innovation.
Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your deep technical understanding of datacenter cooling technologies and your experience with supply chain tools and analytics.
Demonstrate collaboration: Highlight your experience working cross-functionally with engineering, thermal, and facility teams, showcasing strong negotiation and project management skills.

Technical preparation

Master datacenter cooling technologies (dry coolers, chillers, CDUs).,Understand piping, valves, controls, and fluid systems.,Practice supply chain analytics and forecasting.,Familiarize with capital equipment and consumables procurement.

Behavioral questions

Describe a high-pressure supply chain crisis you managed.,How do you foster innovation with suppliers?,Explain a complex negotiation you successfully led.,How do you prioritize in a rapidly changing environment?

Frequently asked questions

What are the key technical skills required for the Global Supply Manager role at SpaceX?: The Global Supply Manager role at SpaceX requires a deep technical understanding of datacenter cooling technologies such as dry coolers, chillers, CDUs, pumps, piping/valve systems, controls/instrumentation, and chemical consumables. Experience with liquid cooling architectures and managing sourcing for capital cooling equipment in hyperscale or heavy industrial environments is crucial.
What kind of experience is most valuable for a Global Supply Manager at SpaceX?: SpaceX values candidates with at least 5+ years of global supply chain, procurement, or commodity management experience focused on cooling systems, HVAC, mechanical infrastructure, or industrial fluid systems. Experience in fast-paced, high-growth technology or infrastructure companies with aggressive scaling demands is highly preferred.
How does SpaceX approach supplier management for critical equipment like datacenter cooling?: SpaceX focuses on building and maintaining a world-class hybrid supply base through strategic relationships with OEMs, component suppliers, and chemical providers. This involves regular executive business reviews, joint development projects, and performance scorecards to ensure SpaceX is a preferred partner for advanced cooling solutions.
What are the expected work arrangements for this Global Supply Manager position?: This Global Supply Manager position at SpaceX requires the candidate to be onsite in Bastrop, TX or Austin, TX. While there's an onsite requirement, the nature of global supply management often involves travel to supplier factories and project sites.
How can I demonstrate my ability to handle high-velocity environments for the Global Supply Manager role at SpaceX?: To demonstrate your ability to handle high-velocity environments, emphasize in your application and interview your experience in fast-paced settings, your success in meeting aggressive timelines, your ability to manage multiple priorities, and your proactive approach to problem-solving and risk mitigation in critical supply chain operations.
What does SpaceX expect in terms of negotiation for this role?: For this role, SpaceX expects transformative negotiation skills that go beyond pricing and volume. This includes securing co-development commitments, dedicated manufacturing capacity, lead-time reductions, NRE funding models, priority allocation during shortages, and flexible supply programs for consumables, all crucial for SpaceX's rapid development pace.