Supplier Materials Engineer – Ceramics & Thermal Spray

Applicantz, Inc; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applicantz, Inc in Fremont, CA seeks a Supplier Engineering lead to own material shortage issues and act as the technical owner for critical components. You will drive cross-functional execution from risk identification through containment, supplier qualification, and production implementation, aligning test plans, acceptance criteria, and change control with Product Groups.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, experience with ceramic manufacturing, and willingness to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or PhD with 3+ years in Materials Science, Ceramic/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering.
• Experience with ceramic manufacturing processes including forming, sintering, machining, grinding, and polishing.
• Experience with thermal spray coating processes and materials (alumina, yttrium oxide, rare earth oxides).
• Understanding of ceramic powder characterization and its impact on component performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Supplier Engineering single point of contact for material shortages and technical owner for components.
• Lead cross-functional execution from risk identification through containment and supplier qualification.
• Lead technical engagements with ceramic, coating, and sub-tier suppliers to validate processes and readiness for high volume manufacturing.
• Resolve supplier quality issues using 8D, PSDMP, FMEA, and 5 Why methodologies.
• Communicate findings, risks, trade-offs, and recommendations to cross-functional teams and executives.
• Maintain an integrated material risk dashboard, action tracker, decision log, and qualification roadmap with clear ownership and escalation paths.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Structured problem solving

Project management

Executive communication

Supplier engagement

Influence without authority

Education

Master’s degree in Materials Science or related field

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM/EDS

XRD

JMP

Minitab

Job description

On-site Flex job either in Fremont / Tualatin, OR.

Regular shift: M-F, 8 to 5 PM

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Supplier Engineering single point of contact and technical owner for critical material shortages affecting our technology components.
• Lead cross-functional execution from risk identification through containment, alternate material and supplier qualification, process of record alignment, supplier recovery, and production implementation. Align test plans, acceptance criteria, and change control with Product Groups.
• Lead technical engagement with powder, coating, and ceramic suppliers and sub tiers to validate manufacturing processes, capacity, and readiness for high volume manufacturing.
• Resolve supplier quality issues through containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action using structured methodologies such as 8D, PSDMP, FMEA, and 5 Why.
• Communicate technical findings, supply risks, trade offs, and recommendations clearly to cross functional teams and executive stakeholders.
• Maintain an integrated material risk dashboard, action tracker, decision log, and qualification roadmap with clear ownership, milestones, and escalation paths.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with 5 or more years of relevant experience or a PhD with 3 or more years of relevant experience with a major in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with ceramic manufacturing processes including forming, sintering, machining, grinding, and polishing.
• Experience with thermal spray coating processes and materials including alumina, yttrium oxide, and other rare earth oxides.
• Understanding of ceramic powder characterization and the impact of powder properties on manufacturing and performance of ceramic components.
• Working knowledge of material characterization techniques such as SEM/EDS and XRD.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab.
• Demonstrated experience in product development, supplier engineering, and quality management, ideally in the semiconductor industry.
• Strong analytical, structured problem solving, project management, supplier facing communication, and executive presentation skills, with the ability to influence global cross functional teams.
• Proven track record to lead complex technical qualifications, supplier escalations, and supply continuity initiatives through influence and without direct authority.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally 15 to 25 percent of the time.