Senior Supplier Development Engineer

Overview

Are you ready for what’s next? Brunswick is a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next‑generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. This position is located in Fond du Lac, WI and offers hybrid workplace flexibility with travel required up to 30%.

Senior Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) – Mercury Marine. This full‑time role supports the development, support, and maintenance of program projects through direct collaboration with production operations, root cause/corrective action investigations, and active engagement with suppliers to optimize processes for efficiency, quality, and productivity. Travel may be required on short notice to support supplier escalations and continuity activities.

• Lead project responsibilities across Mercury Marine purchased commodities and assist in the design review and development of new and existing components to meet quoted capacity and capability requirements.
• Oversee supplier quality processes for casting, machining, and internal engine components; develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Investigate, evaluate, and resolve supplier quality problems through defect investigations, trend analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate quality solutions for urgent shop floor and customer issues with permanent corrective actions to prevent recurrences.
• Monitor supplier performance with purchasing and quality teams; generate monthly supplier performance scorecards and drive improvements in quality, delivery, and cost.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality issues and implement corrective actions; lead cross‑functional teams to address quality improvements.
• Support product quality efforts during launches of new programs and coordinate with Engineering/Design and program management to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Assist with PPAP documentation (dimensional verification, process flow charts, control plans, FMEAs, MSA) as required by the Quality Management System.
• Provide guidance to suppliers to ensure on‑time delivery and quality; conduct supplier training to enhance quality awareness and performance.
• Stay current on industry trends in casting, machining, and quality assurance of internal engine components; drive a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement within the supplier network.
• Conduct supplier audits (new supplier selection, process, and launch readiness) and support quality and supplier development initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on engineering and quality/supplier quality experience.
• Strong problem‑solving skills; working knowledge of APQP (design reviews, PPAP, Process control plan, FMEA) and DOE, SPC, GD&T; ability to interpret complex drawings.
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling and mold flow software; experience in failure analysis using advanced techniques.
• Detail‑oriented with a track record of delivering high‑quality results; demonstrated leadership in driving project outcomes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic team; experience working with suppliers on product development and problem solving.
• Experience supporting product and process development through the product lifecycle and related assets.
• Baseline skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint; ability to create and use Tableau and/or Power BI for KPI tracking.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience with process FMEA, control strategies, modeling and simulation, statistical methods, and design of experiments (DOE).
• Understanding of plastics processing, thermoplastics, and extruded materials in a production environment.
• Direct experience with supply chain/procurement and APQP/PPAP processes.

This position requires domestic and international travel up to 30%. The hiring range is $86,500 – $126,800 annually, with the actual base pay varying by qualifications, experience, business needs, and…