Supplier Development Engineer

Nationwide Technical Search; Webberville (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Nationwide Technical Search is seeking a proactive Supplier Development Engineer to drive supplier quality and capability across our automotive supply chain. You will partner with suppliers and internal teams to improve manufacturing processes, resolve quality issues, and ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and PPAP requirements.

The role emphasizes problem solving, lean and Six Sigma applications, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve measurable improvements in quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in supplier development or supplier quality in automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA, APQP, and PPAP.
• Strong problem-solving using FMEA, SPC, 8D.
• Proficiency with SAP and data-driven improvement.
• Willingness to travel to supplier locations.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and develop suppliers based on quality, capability, performance, and reliability.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans focused on quality, process capability, efficiency, and defect reduction.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to support compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA, and applicable AIAG/customer requirements.
• Lead supplier corrective actions and root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, and other structured problem-solving methods.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve supplier processes and reduce waste and process variation.
• Support APQP, PPAP, process validation, and supplier readiness activities for new product launches.
• Monitor supplier KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and drive corrective and continuous improvement actions.
• Partner with suppliers to improve machining processes, manufacturing methods, process controls, and product quality.
• Identify supplier and supply chain risks and implement actions to minimize quality concerns and production disruptions.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to align supplier performance with business and customer requirements.
• Utilize SAP and supplier performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Travel to supplier locations as needed for audits, development activities, launches, and problem resolution.

Skills

Supplier development

Quality engineering

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Onsite
Permanent/Direct Hire
Full Benefits
$100,000 - $120,000

Job Summary

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Supplier Development Engineer to drive supplier quality, capability, and continuous improvement across our supply chain. This role partners closely with suppliers and internal Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve manufacturing processes, resolve quality issues, support new product launches, and ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.

The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop effective supplier relationships and drive measurable improvements in quality, delivery, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and develop suppliers based on quality, manufacturing capability, performance, and reliability.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans focused on quality, process capability, efficiency, and defect reduction.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to support compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA, and applicable AIAG/customer requirements.
• Lead supplier corrective actions and root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, and other structured problem-solving methods.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve supplier processes and reduce waste and process variation.
• Support APQP, PPAP, process validation, and supplier readiness activities for new product launches.
• Monitor supplier KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and drive corrective and continuous improvement actions.
• Partner with suppliers to improve machining processes, manufacturing methods, process controls, and product quality.
• Identify supplier and supply chain risks and implement actions to minimize quality concerns and production disruptions.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to align supplier performance with business and customer requirements.
• Utilize SAP and supplier performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Travel to supplier locations as needed for audits, development activities, launches, and problem resolution.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Background in supplier development, supplier quality, quality engineering, or a related automotive manufacturing role.
• Standards & Methodologies: Strong knowledge of automotive quality standards including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA, APQP, and PPAP.
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Working knowledge of FMEA, SPC, 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Technical Skills: Strong technical understanding of manufacturing and machining processes.
• Software: SAP experience required.
• Core Competencies: Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Mobility: Ability to travel to supplier locations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma or quality-related certification.
• Experience developing and implementing supplier improvement plans.
• Experience with automotive machining or precision manufacturing.
• Knowledge of supplier sourcing, risk management, and performance management.