Supplier Development Engineer – Mechanicals

Job Description

The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) position will work in a team environment as a key technical resource for the Global Supply Chain organization to develop new supply sources and to improve existing supplier capabilities.

By using advanced knowledge of manufacturing technology fundamentals of Mechanical commodities such as sheet metal, machining and mechanical assembly, expectation of the role is to help Sanmina Components Division to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Responsibilities will include cross-functional program management to qualify new suppliers, develop new suppliers, take NPIs through launch, increase capacity, support systemic supplier improvement, and resolve major supplier performance issues.

Candidate must have in-depth technical expertise in the Mechanical commodity and its applications in various manufacturing technologies, manufacturing engineering experience and have comprehensive experience with problem-solving tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Interface with the Global Supply Chain organization to prioritize supplier development needs by commodity to improve cost competitiveness or supply constraints.
• Research external market information and entrepreneurial companies to identify potential sources and suppliers.
• Drive supplier selection through robust qualification processes and program manage implementation of supplier within internal team.
• Use technical expertise and experience to assess new and existing supplier capabilities to meet product, cost, quality, capacity and fulfillment.
• Drive supplier improvements utilizing Lean methodologies, advanced APQP tools, supplier scorecards and supplier assessments.
• Ensure supplier compliance while driving systematic problem solving and process improvement plans to deliver performance.
• Based on screening, prioritize preferred suppliers
• Act as consultant to communicate and coach the Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Procurement organizations to drive cost effective improvements to Quality and Manufacturing processes, minimizing waste, introduce new products and improve product design.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership to sourcing and development of suppliers with respect to technology, performance, quality, cost, logistics and delivery.
• Provide leadership during investigations of major problems and or special projects focusing on developing working relationships with suppliers and the supply chain with regard to product development and procurement of parts.
• Carry out new supplier validation audits, with supplier support and supplier Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Assist with new product launch by working with suppliers to ensure that key milestones are achieved.
• Work with Design and Manufacturing Engineers (from customer and Sanmina manufacturing facility) team to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability is effective to meet product and process requirements.
• Provide technical expertise to customers / licensees in solving technical problems associated with product manufacturing.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve problems
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
• Communicate efficiently throughout procurement and directly with customer’s / suppliers management.

Skills Required

• Experience in Sourcing, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Program Management (preferable).
• Experience in developing and implementing vendor qualification.
• Knowledge of quality and business systems.
• Commercial and financial acumen.
• Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA).
• Report and Procedure writing with excellent presentation skills, along with good communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings.
• Understanding manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Planning and prioritizing activities
• Strong negotiation and influential skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and expertise to develop and execute objectives for self and others and the ability to effect short-term and some long-term business goals

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (Industrial or Mechanical Engineering preferable).
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical assemblies, sheet metal, machining, and welding.
• 3+ years managing and developing suppliers.
• Knowledge of PPAP and APQP.
• Advanced knowledge of APQP, Process and Capacity improvement tool sets.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation communication skills
• Solid understanding of various manufacturing techniques.
• Advanced interpersonal skills managing supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in project management skills with the ability to close initiatives on time.
• Green Belt, DFSS, Black Belt, Lean certification and knowledge of tools such as DOE, DFM, DFX and VAVE is preferred.
30+ days ago