About the job
The Supplier Engineer is essential in maintaining the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance for externally sourced components, materials, and systems. This role requires a proactive and strategic approach to supplier management throughout the entire lifecycle—from initial selection and development to continuous performance monitoring and improvement initiatives. The Supplier Engineer acts as a vital link between the organization and its supply chain, cultivating partnerships that align on shared goals of quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supplier Development: Identify, assess, and select potential suppliers using rigorous quality, technical, and commercial criteria. Spearhead the qualification process to ensure alignment of supplier capabilities with organizational needs.
- Quality Assurance: Set and uphold stringent quality standards and expectations for suppliers. Develop comprehensive quality control plans and ensure supplier compliance through audits and performance assessments.
- Technical Liaison: Act as the primary technical contact for suppliers, facilitating effective communication and resolution of technical challenges. Collaborate on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) projects to enhance component design in alignment with supplier strengths.
- Performance Tracking: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and assess supplier performance in quality, delivery, and responsiveness. Promote continuous improvement through data analysis and cooperative problem-solving.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify and evaluate risks in the supply chain related to quality and technical capabilities. Create effective mitigation strategies to ensure supply stability and minimize potential disruptions.
- New Product Development: Engage actively in the New Product Development (NPD) process, ensuring suppliers are prepared for the introduction of new components. Validate supplier processes and conduct first article inspections to assure quality from the start.
- Compliance Audits: Perform detailed audits of suppliers to assess compliance with quality management systems, regulatory standards, and internal policies. Lead corrective and preventive actions to resolve any identified issues.
- Documentation: Create and maintain thorough documentation regarding supplier quality, performance, and development activities. Generate regular reports for internal stakeholders regarding supplier performance and improvement efforts.