Senior Supplier Materials Engineer – Ceramics & Coatings

Applicantz, Inc; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applicantz, Inc in Fremont, CA seeks a Supplier Engineering lead to own material shortage issues and act as the technical owner for critical components. You will drive cross-functional execution from risk identification through containment, supplier qualification, and production implementation, aligning test plans, acceptance criteria, and change control with Product Groups.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, experience with ceramic manufacturing, and willingness to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or PhD with 3+ years in Materials Science, Ceramic/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering.
• Experience with ceramic manufacturing processes including forming, sintering, machining, grinding, and polishing.
• Experience with thermal spray coating processes and materials (alumina, yttrium oxide, rare earth oxides).
• Understanding of ceramic powder characterization and its impact on component performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Supplier Engineering single point of contact for material shortages and technical owner for components.
• Lead cross-functional execution from risk identification through containment and supplier qualification.
• Lead technical engagements with ceramic, coating, and sub-tier suppliers to validate processes and readiness for high volume manufacturing.
• Resolve supplier quality issues using 8D, PSDMP, FMEA, and 5 Why methodologies.
• Communicate findings, risks, trade-offs, and recommendations to cross-functional teams and executives.
• Maintain an integrated material risk dashboard, action tracker, decision log, and qualification roadmap with clear ownership and escalation paths.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Structured problem solving

Project management

Executive communication

Supplier engagement

Influence without authority

Education

Master’s degree in Materials Science or related field

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM/EDS

XRD

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Applicantz, Inc in Fremont, CA seeks a Supplier Engineering lead to own material shortage issues and act as the technical owner for critical components. You will drive cross-functional execution from risk identification through containment, supplier qualification, and production implementation, aligning test plans, acceptance criteria, and change control with Product Groups.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, experience with ceramic manufacturing, and willingness to