Supplier Engineer

Description

The Supplier Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of externally sourced components, materials and systems. This position demands a proactive and strategic approach to supplier management, encompassing the entire life cycle from initial selection and development through ongoing performance monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives. The Supplier Engineer serves as a key interface between the organization and its supply base, fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve mutual objectives in quality, cost, and delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Supplier Development: Identify, evaluate, and select potential suppliers based on stringent quality, technical, and commercial criteria.   Lead the qualification process to ensure supplier capabilities align with organizational requirements.
• Quality Assurance and Control: Establish and maintain clear quality standards and expectations for suppliers. Implement robust quality control plans and oversee supplier adherence through audits, process reviews, and performance monitoring.
• Technical Collaboration: Serve as the primary technical liaison with suppliers, facilitating effective communication and resolution of technical issues.    Collaborate on design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly  (DFA) initiatives to optimize component design for supplier capabilities.
• Performance Management and Improvement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and analyze supplier performance in areas such as quality, delivery, and responsiveness. Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data-driven analysis and collaborative problem-solving.
• Risk Mitigation and Management: Proactively identify and assess potential risks within the supply chain related to quality and technical      capabilities. Develop and implement mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity and minimize disruptions.
• New Product Development (NPD): Actively participate in the NPD process, ensuring supplier readiness for new component introduction. Validate supplier processes and first article inspections to guarantee quality from the outset.
• Audit and Compliance: Conduct comprehensive supplier audits to evaluate adherence to quality management systems, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards. Drive corrective and preventive actions to address identified non-conformities.
• Documentation and Reporting: Develop and maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation related to supplier quality, performance, and development activities. Prepare and present regular reports to internal stakeholders on supplier performance and improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Materials Science) or a related technical discipline.
• Requires international travel as necessary.
• Requires experience with SolidWorks.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of progressive experience in a supplier quality, supplier development, or related engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and quality tools and methodologies (e.g., APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, 8D).
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting supplier audits and implementing corrective and preventive action plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data and drive data-based decisions.
• Excellent      communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with external suppliers and internal stakeholders.   
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes and materials.
• Experience with new product introduction and supplier readiness activities.

About Optomec:

Optomec is a privately held, rapidly growing supplier of Additive Manufacturing systems. These solutions utilize Optomec’s patented Aerosol Jet Printed Electronics technology to reduce costs and improve performance. This unique printing solution works with the broadest spectrum of functional materials, ranging from electronic inks to biological matter. Optomec has more than 200 marquee customers around the world, targeting production applications in the Electronics, Energy, Life Sciences and Aerospace industries. For more information, please visit www.optomec.com.