Supplier Development (Quality) Engineer III

Bell; Cockeysville (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to enhance supply chain performance and quality. This role involves collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to ensure optimal execution across product life cycles. The ideal candidate will leverage their engineering background to conduct supplier assessments, manage quality expectations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. With a focus on building strong supplier relationships and utilizing lean principles, you will play a critical role in supporting innovative product lines. Join a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and offers opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Flexible Work Schedules

Education Assistance

Career Development & Training Opportunities

Wellness Program

Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding

Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Quality Engineering or Supply Chain Engineering roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, preferably in Electrical or Mechanical.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with suppliers to drive quality and performance.
• Perform supplier assessments and coordinate inspection requirements.

Skills

Supplier Management

Quality Engineering

Mechanical Design

Electrical Design

Lean Manufacturing

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Master’s Degree in Related Field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP Systems (e.g. Oracle)

PLM Software (e.g. Matrix)

Job description

Who We Are
Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Job Summary:

The Supplier Development Engineer is responsible for delivering strategic and tactical supply chain activities for our supply base to effectively support all Textron Systems’ businesses across all site locations with a focus on overall external supply chain improvement.

Each team member will develop optimized external supply chain capability, enabling the highest levels of competition among the highest performing suppliers, geographically located; to optimally support our business throughout all phases of the product life cycle with a particular focus on Quality.

This role includes performing supplier assessments and development evaluations, supplier identification, and supplier management tasks. Working collaboratively across all product domains to understand the needs of the business and drive supply chain execution and accountability to the highest attainable level.

The ability to travel is a catalyst to support our growing network of top performing suppliers, building relationships, competence and trust to support the development and delivery success of the many state-of-the-art Textron product lines, and when needed, engage in problem solving challenges that differentiates us from our competition. The network will further extend to capture internal customers in program management, engineering, and manufacturing, whilst teaming with procurement and Quality to provide effective execution.

The Supplier Development Engineer is specifically responsible for driving results with our suppliers across multiple supply categories including mechanical and/or electrical parts and assemblies in all facets of performance, including cost, delivery and quality. This role will report directly to the Manager of Supplier Development within the Supply Chain organization.

Key responsibilities:

1. Develop Relationships throughout the Supply Base and connect that network with Internal customers and drive Quality into the foundation for execution.
2. Perform and/or participate in source qualification by performing quality management system surveys and special process surveys.
3. Solicit supplier inputs into product design, considering design for manufacturability, cost, reliability, parts availability, and more.
4. Perform Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA) as appropriate for suppliers.
5. Coordinate the effective flow-downs of contractual requirements to suppliers along with alignment on quality codes and performance expectations.
6. Execute supplier development strategies balanced across all domains.
7. Partner with Sourcing Engineering, Supplier Management, Buyers, and Quality Engineering to ensure a smooth transition to the identified source enabling seamless execution via leading effective Technical Interchange Meetings (TIM).
8. Coordinate with Quality Engineering inspection requirements of suppliers and execute inspection requirements such as first article inspection, managing nonconforming materials, troubleshooting, processing material review board actions, etc.
9. Lead management of critical supplier issues to improve overall execution.
10. Lead risk assessments via FMEA/Risk Cubes, RCCA, countermeasures and supplier scorecard reviews.
11. Perform data analysis and issue reports on supplier performance to ensure suppliers meet and maintain expected performance levels inclusive of quality and delivery.
12. Wide bandwidth knowledge of mechanical and/or electrical design and awareness of lean manufacturing principles and the identification of key performance parameters (KPPs).
13. Ability to analyze and understand technical drawings, and/or electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, Model Based Definition Files, preliminary bills of material (BOM), engineering sketches, CAD models, prototypes, specifications, and ad-hoc requirements.
14. Knowledge of ISO 9001-based quality systems, AS9100, and AS9102.
15. General knowledge of industry standards for manufacture and test.
16. Broad knowledge of Quality Engineering and manufacturing processes and procedures.
17. If Electrical, knowledge of J-STD-001 and IPC-610, and key industry standards that drive electrical design and manufacture.
18. Ability to visualize and comprehend critical elements of a manufacturing environment, and to understand the interactions of various factors that affect mechanical/electrical engineering designs.
19. Ability to detect and analyze potential design issues, and to apply logical or scientific solutions to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
20. Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with suppliers, peers and other functional areas.
21. Knowledge of GD&T and the appropriate tolerances in a manufacturing environment.
22. Knowledge of DFX principles, including Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, and Cost.
23. Basic computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Visio.
24. Manufacturing specific computer skills: ERP and MRP (e.g. Oracle); PLM (e.g. Matrix).
25. Experience with root cause corrective action (RCCA) processes and tools.
26. Knowledge and appreciation of outsourcing and Supply Chain procedures.
27. Desire to continually learn new skills, attend technical expositions, and develop a sourcing network in the industry.
28. Travel to supplier locations at least 30% of time.

Education / Experience Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering required. Preferred focus in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
2. 2+ years’ experience in design environment.
3. 5+ years’ experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and/or other supply chain engineering role.
4. Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
5. Preferred Government contracting experience.
6. Preferred Master’s Degree in related field.
7. Preferred previous experience with Lean principles or Six Sigma certification.

How We Care
At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. We promote an inclusive environment where we value individuality, differences, and unique perspectives.

Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!

• Flexible Work Schedules
• Education Assistance
• Career Development & Training Opportunities
• Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
• Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding
• Paid Parental Leave

Are you a Military Veteran?
Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.