Supplier Development Engineer

Supplier Development EngineerKB Search Team is partnering with a well-established aerospace and defense manufacturer in Fort Wayne to find a Supplier Development Engineer. Our client builds components for military aircraft programs and is in a strong growth phase, with new business and projects on the way. This role is key to building the supplier base that will support that growth.This is a hands-on, relationship-driven role for someone who enjoys getting out to supplier sites, developing new suppliers, and making the whole supply chain stronger. It's a small, close-knit team where everyone works together, and people who show initiative have a real path to grow.What You'll DoIdentify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and risk analysisBuild strong working relationships with current and potential suppliers across the U.S.Travel to supplier sites (10-20%, typically a few days at a time) to drive process improvements and alignmentMonitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness, and lead improvement initiativesPartner with suppliers on manufacturing processes and technical compliance to drawings and specificationsSupport new product introduction by bringing suppliers in early for manufacturability and cost optimizationEnsure suppliers meet AS9100/ISO 9001, ITAR, and customer-specific quality requirementsReview and approve PPAPs, FAI reports, process validations, and corrective actionsParticipate in MRB and root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activitiesChampion lean principles internally and across the supply baseWhat You BringBachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering, or a related field5+ years of experience in supplier development, quality engineering, or manufacturing engineering within aerospace and defenseProven, hands-on experience developing suppliers, not only managing supplier quality from a deskExperience with electromechanical assemblies, precision machining, or electronics manufacturing preferredStrong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processesWorking knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and industry standards such as MIL and IPCHands-on experience with PPAP, FAI, PFMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis toolsFamiliarity with ERP/MRP systems and supplier performance tracking toolsStrong leadership, communication, and negotiation skillsA team player who takes initiative, drives continuous improvement, and wants to grow with a company long termWhy You'll Love ItMeaningful work supporting military defense aircraftA stable company with decades of history, very low turnover, and a family-like cultureA strong record of promoting from withinHigh employee satisfaction and healthy work-life balanceQuarterly profit sharing and an annual incentive plan401(k) with company match14 paid holidays, plus vacation and sick timeCompany-paid life insurance and long-term disability, along with medical, dental, and vision coverageInterested? Apply today, or reach out to Rhonda Dove at KB Search Team for a confidential conversation.Looking for local commutable candidates