Supplier Development & Launch Engineer

Katalyst CRO; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to build and qualify suppliers for non-metallic cowling components, ensuring process excellence and robust quality systems for new product launches.

You will lead APQP/PPAP activities, perform supplier capability assessments, and drive continuous improvement with Lean Six Sigma methods across cross-functional teams, travel up to 40%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality, development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with non-metallic processes (injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, composites).
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, GD&T, and mold flow analysis.
• Proven problem-solving skills (8D, A3, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Onboard new suppliers for non-metallic cowling components.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, audits, and feasibility reviews.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans to meet quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Oversee tooling transfers and validate installation and readiness at new supplier sites.
• Ensure suppliers establish robust process controls and meet APQP requirements.
• Support development of PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams.
• Lead suppliers through APQP phases for new product launches and transfers.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions, including dimensional analysis, material certifications, and capability studies.
• Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards for non-metallic components.
• Drive supplier process improvements using Lean Six Sigma and best practices.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, OTD, capability) and implement corrective actions.
• Facilitate supplier training programs to enhance quality awareness and technical capability.
• Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, and Quality teams to align design requirements and launch timelines.
• Support design reviews and provide input on manufacturability and process capability.

Skills

Supplier development

Project management

Communication

Lean Six Sigma

Problem solving (8D/A3/5-Why)

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

APQP/PPAP

PFMEA/Control Plans

DOE/SPC/GD&T

Mold flow analysis

Job description

Katalyst CRO is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to build and qualify suppliers for non-metallic cowling components, ensuring process excellence and robust quality systems for new product launches.

You will lead APQP/PPAP activities, perform supplier capability assessments, and drive continuous improvement with Lean Six Sigma methods across cross-functional teams, travel up to 40%.