Supplier Development Engineer

Fema Corp; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

FEMA Corporation is seeking a proactive Supplier Development Engineer to join our Quality team. The role blends engineering with project and people management to ensure suppliers meet FEMA quality standards and customer requirements.

The SDE will lead supplier audits, manage APQP/PPAP activities, and drive continuous improvement while supporting new product introductions. Travel of 10-30% to suppliers and customers is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering required
• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 quality management systems preferred
• ASQ CQE certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite supplier audits and conduct risk assessments to recommend qualified suppliers
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to align specifications, validate processes, and ensure products meet quality requirements
• Oversee the APQP process and review PPAP submissions, utilizing AIAG methods (PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA)
• Provide regular reports on supplier performance to stakeholders
• Support new product development by ensuring supplier readiness and capability
• Drive cost and delivery improvement initiatives
• Champion continuous improvement projects both internally and with suppliers
• Communicate and resolve product quality issues found in production
• Conduct internal and external audits of quality management systems and products
• Lead problem-solving and root cause analysis to eliminate non-conformances

Skills

Project management

Supplier development

Quality engineering

Analytical thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Metrology

Blueprint reading

Statistical analysis

APQP

PPAP

Cost optimization

Regulatory compliance

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

APQP

PPAP

MS Office

Job description

FEMA Corporation is seeking a proactive and technically skilled Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) to join our Quality team. In this role, you will blend engineering expertise with project and people management to ensure our suppliers meet FEMA and customer quality standards. You will play a key role in supplier selection, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The SDE thinks independently and is a thought-leader who maintains professional behavior, is decisive, confident, and has high energy. This position involves 10-30% domestic and international travel to suppliers and customers, as needed. The SDE position reports to the Quality Manager. Normal work hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

Development Engineer – 80% of time

• Lead onsite supplier audits and conduct risk assessments to recommend qualified suppliers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to align specifications, validate processes, and ensure products meet quality requirements
• Oversee the APQP process and review PPAP submissions, utilizing AIAG methods (PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA).
• Provide regular reports on supplier performance to stakeholders.
• Support new product development by ensuring supplier readiness and capability.
• Drive cost and delivery improvement initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement projects both internally and with suppliers.

Quality Engineer – 20% of time

• Communicate and resolve product quality issues found in production.
• Conduct internal and external audits of quality management systems and products.
• Lead problem-solving and root cause analysis to eliminate non-conformances.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering required

Experience Requirements:

• At least one year of relevant professional experience is necessary.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 Quality Management Systems is preferred
• An ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification is preferred or willingness to obtain certification.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong skills in applied metrology, blueprint reading and statistical data analysis
• APQP Working knowledge and process Management - Accountable for overseeing the launch of new components, including timing, quantity and quality
• Knowledge of various materials and manufacturing processes to optimize designs for cost, performance and manufacturability
• Regulatory Compliance and Standards: Ability to understand industry-specific requirements and standards such as ISO, ASME, ANSI, or other regulatory bodies
• Technical problem-solving skills to troubleshoot complex technical issues, propose innovative solutions, and make data-driven decisions

Communication and Organizational Skills:

• Strong communication skills are essential to interact directly with employees at every level of the organization Drive project direction, ensure deadlines are achieved, and deliver measurable results through effective collaboration.
• Collaborate with the Quality Manager and Engineering Managers to identify and execute cost-saving initiatives that maintain quality standards.