Supplier Development Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Supplier Development Engineer to support supplier qualification, development, and manufacturing readiness for precision mechanical components.

This person will work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Quality to evaluate supplier capabilities, resolve technical issues, and ensure purchased components meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations. The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing knowledge with experience working directly with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate supplier equipment, manufacturing processes, capacity, and quality controls.
• Support supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing development.
• Review drawings, material specifications, and manufacturing requirements with suppliers.
• Provide technical input for RFQs, sourcing decisions, make-or-buy evaluations, and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Assess supplier capabilities in machining, heat treatment, casting, inspection, and material testing.
• Support production readiness through process validation, capability studies, First Article Inspections, and PPAP.
• Work with suppliers to resolve manufacturing, material, quality, and delivery concerns.
• Support root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate supplier risks, capability gaps, and recommended improvements to internal teams.
• Travel to supplier facilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, supplier development, supplier quality, or production.
• Experience evaluating, qualifying, and developing suppliers.
• Strong knowledge of machining, heat treatment, casting, and inspection processes.
• Understanding of steel, aluminum, cast iron, and how manufacturing processes affect material properties and component performance.
• Experience with precision-machined or other complex mechanical components.
• Experience with PPAP, First Article Inspections, capability studies, and process validation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and material specifications.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication, collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel to supplier locations.