Supplier Development Engineer

Job TitleThis position is responsible for improving Supplier Performance and supporting all supplier activities including production quality, new product launches, new supplier assessment, supplier resourcing, audits, and continuous improvement activities. This position will collaborate with Operations, Quality Engineering, Strategic Sourcing, and New Product Development with the aim to increasing PPAP approval rate, lowering scrap dollars, make recommendations for improvements, establish regular communication cadence, and support improved or expanded supplier capabilities.Essential Job FunctionsPrimary responsibility for the selection, onboarding, training, tracking and development of the supply baseServe as the primary quality assurance resource to the supply base for problem identification, resolution, change management and continual improvementEffectively communicate significant issues or developments identified during quality assurance activities with the supply base and ensure timely resolutionResponsible for corrective action activities with all suppliersSupport supplier inspection and testing of materials, parts and products to ensure adherence to standardsSupport supplier metrics – scrap dollars, percent credit recovery, OTD, and responsivenessOversee supplier approval process –assessments, audits and approval for purchased products and componentsProvide input for acceptance criteria and future purchases from suppliersMaintain trip reports, open action lists and improvement plansWorks with outside 3rd party inspection labs as requiredLead, participate in, and champion continual improvement projects, kaizen events and cost reduction programs with supply baseTravel to supplier locationsOther duties as assignedRequirementsBachelor's degree in Engineering or related fieldMinimum of 5 years' experience in Supplier Development or related disciplineStrong manufacturing, process, quality systems and root cause analysis experience requiredInjection molding experience highly desired; metal fabrication & painting, electronics, and plastic extrusion knowledge appreciated.Demonstrated experience in problem solving using formal methodologies (8D, A3 etc.)Demonstrated experience in supplier audits and selectionKnowledgeable and hands on experience in application of Lean and Six Sigma (or alternative advanced problem solving methods) including: Value Stream Mapping, Cpk/Ppk, GR&R, SPC, Control Plans Sampling Plans, Kaizen, 5S, Statistical Analysis, SMED, 5 Why's, Root Cause Analysis, Error Proofing, Cause and Effect Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, etc.Knowledge and application of AIAG quality tools (APQP: PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, etc.)Demonstrated knowledge and ability to coach suppliers on latest revision of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensions and Tolerances (GD&T)Demonstrated experience in Supplier Risk ManagementStrong interpersonal communication skills neededProficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (Epicor preferred)Travel Required up to 35%, will vary throughout the year based on needAdditional Preferred RequirementsCertification in Quality Management – ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)ISO9001:2015 or IATF 16949:2016 Lead or Internal Auditor CertifiedSix Sigma Green/Black Belt