Lead Supplier Process Engineer

About this position

Beehive Industries is dedicated to Powering American Defense by revolutionizing the design, development, and delivery of jet propulsion systems to support the warfighter. Through the integration of additive manufacturing, the company aims to meet the growing and urgent needs for unmanned aerial defense by dramatically improving a jet engine’s speed to market, fuel efficiency, and cost.

Founded in 2020, the company is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, with additional facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee, Loveland Ohio, and Mount Vernon, Ohio. Beehive is committed to grow and advance the defense industrial base while manufacturing exclusively in the USA. This role will be located at our Cincinnati, Ohio facility.

Role Overview

The Lead Supplier Process Engineer will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes at suppliers by driving process improvements, quality enhancements, and operational efficiencies within the supplier base. This role will partner with internal manufacturing teams, engineering, and the supplier base to support current production, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on, analytical problem‑solver who excels at building relationships, coaching suppliers, and optimizing supply chain performance. Some travel to supplier sites will be required.

What You’ll Do...

Supplier Process Optimization:

• Collaborate with suppliers to map and analyze their manufacturing processes to reduce inefficiencies, variability, and waste while enhancing efficiency.
• Work with engineering to define key characteristics (KCs) Identify areas for process improvement, cost reduction, and quality enhancement at supplier facilities.
• Work with supplier quality team members to ensure consistency and repeatability of critical supplier processes through statistical process control (SPC).
• Recommend and implement Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to optimize production lines and reduce operational costs.
• Assess supplier capabilities, capacity, and process maturity to meet operational and quality standards.
• Provide technical support and training to help suppliers enhance their production capabilities.
• Partner with supplier quality team members to develop and execute supplier improvement plans for under‑performing suppliers.
• Work with suppliers to introduce new technologies or processes that improve quality and productivity.
• Develop criteria for supplier scorecards to assess supplier maintenance, supplier growth, and supplier exit strategies.

New Product Introduction (NPI):

• Work with engineering, operations, procurement, and quality teams to locate and vet new suppliers and to introduce new products to current suppliers.
• Ensure supplier readiness for product launches through process capabilities studies and review of first article documentation, thus ensuring a smooth transition from design to production.
• Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews, engineering change reviews (ECRs), and engineering design reviews to minimize supplier production risks.
• Support suppliers in the transition to full scale production and ramp‑up phases for new and existing products.

Problem‑Solving and Troubleshooting:

• Partner with quality and engineering to address and resolve technical production issues at supplier facilities.
• Investigate and troubleshoot process failures, equipment malfunctions, and production delays.
• Drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues and elevate high‑risk supplier issues as appropriate.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Act as the technical liaison between internal teams and external suppliers for process‑related matters.
• Communicate supplier performance metrics, process improvements, and project progress to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the purchasing and quality teams to resolve issues related to material availability, lead times, and supplier performance.
• Contribute to cross‑functional project teams as the supplier process subject matter expert.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement initiatives both internally and at supplier facilities.
• Partner with operations and digital tools team to develop visual aids identifying key supplier metrics and trends.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
• Proactively identify and pursue cost‑saving and value‑add opportunities across supplier processes.
• Mentor colleagues and share process engineering knowledge within the organization.

You have...

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Process, or a related field.

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing engineering, preferably with experience in supplier management or supply chain operations.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience with process optimization, root cause analysis, and quality control.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T callouts.
• Willingness and ability to travel to supplier locations as needed (<20% travel).
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice to have...

• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with both internal teams and suppliers.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and familiarity with Department of Defense regulatory requirements.
• Ability to adapt to change and support the team in managing transformation

Beehive Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life,and Short and Long‑Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match.Every role at Beehive Industries is bonus eligible and will also receive equity in the company.

Beehive Industries is committed to full compliance with applicable anti‑discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminateon the basis ofrace, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.