Supplier Development Engineer

This hands-on Supplier Development Engineer position is based in Lake Orion, Michigan, or Springboro, Ohio, and is offered as a contract role with the potential for permanent hire. Compensation is set between $35.00 and $45.00 per hour, depending on your verified professional background. You will play a vital role in selecting, evaluating, and managing the development of components. Your primary objective is to maintain a robust Supplier Development Management System that guarantees our customers receive high-quality parts. By ensuring that supplier processes and production capabilities align with design specifications and end-user requirements, you will serve as a critical bridge between our organization and our supply partners. Furthermore, you will act as a key resource for component teams to enhance cost competitiveness and will lead rapid root-cause analysis and resolution efforts whenever non-conformances arise. Core Responsibilities Collaborate with component teams to prioritize development needs, helping to reduce supply constraints and improve overall cost efficiency. Manage the selection of suppliers by implementing rigorous qualification procedures. Evaluate the capacity and performance of both new and existing suppliers to ensure they meet our standards for quality, cost, delivery, and compliance with ISO9001 and TS16949 requirements. Utilize Lean methodologies and supplier scorecards to foster systematic process improvements that deliver measurable value to the organization. Monitor supplier performance metrics and publish scorecards to help the supply base consistently exceed our operational expectations. Provide expert guidance to Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to minimize waste and streamline the introduction of new products. Offer technical leadership during the sourcing process to ensure suppliers meet our high standards for technology, performance, and logistics. Lead complex problem-solving investigations and special projects to build stronger, more collaborative relationships across the supply chain. Direct the resolution of component concerns by overseeing APQP, PPAP, and VA/VE initiatives to drive continuous cost and quality improvements. Execute validation audits for new suppliers while supporting their internal APQP processes. Support successful product launches by partnering with suppliers to ensure all critical project milestones are met on time. Work alongside Design and Manufacturing Engineers to define process parameters that guarantee supplier capability matches our product requirements. Stay informed on emerging manufacturing and engineering trends to ensure our product quality remains competitive. Participate actively in ongoing continuous improvement initiatives across the department. Prepare and deliver progress reports during project meetings to keep stakeholders informed. Perform benchmarking research to identify industry best practices and future design trends. Promote quality initiatives by conducting thorough root cause analysis to resolve production issues. Analyze manufacturing and engineering specifications to determine the exact materials required for product assembly. Perform quality control audits to ensure vendors maintain strict compliance with federal and company manufacturing standards. Maintain regular communication with vendors to resolve issues and cultivate a culture of ongoing improvement in our business partnerships. Interpret and apply industry-standard manufacturing audits, including ISO9001 requirements. Manage a comprehensive supplier database that tracks performance evaluations and audit results for internal management access. Drive improvements in supplier quality performance, specifically focusing on new product development and overall quality output. Ensure all operations remain in full compliance with relevant federal and state regulations. Follow all established company policies, procedures, and internal processes. Complete additional tasks and responsibilities as directed by management. Maintain a consistent and reliable work schedule. Required Qualifications A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering. At least five years of experience overseeing a certified quality management system such as ISO or TS16949. A minimum of four years of demonstrated success in leading continuous quality improvement efforts within a manufacturing setting. Strong mechanical or electrical aptitude, characterized by an intuitive grasp of technical processes. Background in the automotive sector, with a preference for experience in Powertrain, Electronics, or Battery manufacturing. Prior experience working within an organization that served large-scale OEMs. Proven experience in customer quality assurance roles. Final candidates must successfully complete a background check as a prerequisite for joining our team. By submitting your application, you verify that all provided information is truthful and complete. Please be aware that the submission of false or fraudulent details during the hiring process may result in the withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr