Supplier Development Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Lake Orion Heights (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer focused on ABS supplier selection and management. This hands-on role involves ensuring high-quality components through supplier evaluation, developing new sources, and resolving issues through root-cause analysis. The engineer will work closely with component teams and lead initiatives for continuous improvement in quality and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• At least five years managing a certified quality management system.
• At least four years of continuous quality improvement experience in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Drive supplier selection through qualification processes.
• Implement improvements using Lean methodologies and audits.
• Conduct supplier quality audits to ensure compliance.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Problem Solving

Lean Methodologies

Risk Taking

Decision Making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

The Supplier Development Engineer is a hands-on position focused on ABS supplier selection, evaluation, and management of component development. The engineer ensures the Supplier Development Management System is developed to supply ABS with high-quality components. This role involves verifying supply chain companies, developing new supply sources, and resolving non-conformances through root-cause analysis and effective partnership with suppliers.

Responsibilities

1. Interface with component teams to prioritize supplier development needs for cost improvement and supply constraints.
2. Drive supplier selection through qualification processes.
3. Assess supplier capabilities to meet product, quality, cost, capacity, and compliance requirements (TS 16949, ISO 9001, etc.).
4. Implement improvements using Lean methodologies, scorecards, and audits to ensure supplier compliance and systematic problem-solving.
5. Track and support supplier performance indicators and publish scorecards.
6. Coach internal teams to improve quality and manufacturing processes, minimizing waste and supporting new product introduction.
7. Provide technical leadership in sourcing, performance, and quality of suppliers.
8. Lead investigations for major issues and special projects related to product development and procurement.
9. Manage supplier component concerns, APQP, PPAP, and cost improvements.
10. Conduct supplier validation audits and support new product launches.
11. Collaborate with engineering to define process parameters and ensure process capability.
12. Stay updated on manufacturing and engineering trends affecting product quality.
13. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
14. Prepare reports and present project progress to stakeholders.
15. Conduct benchmarking studies for best practices and trends.
16. Perform root cause analysis and resolve quality problems.
17. Review specifications to determine material needs.
18. Conduct supplier quality audits to ensure compliance with standards.
19. Maintain a supplier database with performance evaluations.
20. Drive supplier quality and product development improvements.
21. Other duties as assigned.
22. Maintain predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• At least five years managing a certified quality management system (e.g., TS 16949, ISO).
• At least four years of continuous quality improvement experience in manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical or electrical aptitude.
• Experience in automotive, battery, electronics, or powertrain manufacturing.
• Experience working with large OEM suppliers.
• Customer quality assurance and audit experience.

Key Competencies

• Focus on Quality: Drive results with a focus on quality.
• Risk Taking: Make balanced, calculated risks and learn from failures.
• Decision Making & Analysis: Use data, expertise, and judgment to make decisions.
• Initiative: Demonstrate drive, urgency, and persistence.
• Integrity: Act ethically and responsibly.
• Change Leadership: Adapt and lead change effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: Pursue ongoing process and quality improvements.
• Partnership Development: Build effective relationships internally and externally.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Sitting at a desk, operating computers and office equipment.
• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds and moving in industrial environments.
• Work in temperature-controlled offices and occasionally outdoors or in industrial settings.
• Moderately loud noise level in work environment.