Supplier Development Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Supplier Development Engineer will serve as the technical liaison between Product and Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and U.S.-based suppliers supporting the sourcing and production of advanced transmission components.

This role bridges engineering requirements with supplier manufacturing capabilities, ensuring components are manufacturable, cost-effective, and capable of meeting performance, quality, durability, and delivery requirements. The position supports the sourcing, development, and production of transmission components, including gears, splines, and related mechanical systems.

The engineer will provide hands-on technical guidance to Engineering, Supply Chain, suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams, supporting supplier selection, production readiness, process development, and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen SAPA Transmission's supply chain

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical liaison between Product and Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and external suppliers.
• Translate engineering drawings, specifications, material requirements, and performance expectations into clear supplier requirements.
• Provide technical input for supplier selection, make-or-buy decisions, RFQs, sourcing strategies, negotiations, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Evaluate supplier technical capabilities, manufacturing processes, equipment, capacity, process controls, and materials expertise.
• Assess the manufacturability of sourced transmission components, including machining, heat treatment, casting, inspection, and material testing requirements.
• Support the qualification, onboarding, and technical development of U.S.-based suppliers while providing technical guidance and manufacturing expertise to Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and suppliers as needed.
• Support supplier feasibility reviews and production-readiness activities, including process validation, capability studies, First Article Inspections, and PPAP.
• Coordinate the resolution of supplier-related technical, manufacturing, material, quality, cost, and delivery issues.
• Support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen supplier performance and supply continuity.
• Build long-term supplier partnerships and communicate technical risks, capability gaps, and recommended actions to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, supplier development, supplier quality, or production environments.
• Strong background in the manufacturing of transmission, powertrain, or other complex mechanical components, including machining, heat treatment, casting, and inspection processes.
• Strong understanding of metals (steel, aluminum, and cast iron), material behavior, and the performance of gears, splines, and other rotating components under load.
• Experience evaluating supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, process controls, capacity, and technical competencies.
• Experience supporting supplier qualification, process validation, capability studies, First Article Inspections, PPAP, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and expert ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, material specifications, and technical requirements.
• Experience supporting or working directly with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality teams.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, Lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication, collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel to supplier locations as needed.

Benefits:

• 6% retirement plan contribution by SAPA Transmission (regardless of employee contribution to 401k plan).
• Paid Holiday, Time Off (PTO), and sick time.
• Medical, Rx, dental, vision and life insurance benefits with minimal employee contribution.
• Short and long-term disability.

SAPA Transmission is an Equal Opportunity Employer