Sr Supplier Development Engineer

Senior Supplier Development Engineer Position Summary

Lead supplier development activities across a complex or strategic supplier base. Oversee Supplier Launch PPAP documentation, ensure world‑class readiness for new product introductions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Serve as a technical expert and mentor for the supplier development team. Partner with engineering, purchasing, quality, and global suppliers to improve cost, quality, delivery, and capability.

• Serve as lead liaison between U.S. project teams and strategic suppliers to ensure flawless execution of development activities.
• Lead Safe Launch readiness for high‑risk or high‑impact suppliers.
• Evaluate and optimize supplier manufacturing processes, identifying risks and improvement opportunities.
• Provide expert‑level assessments of supplier capability, throughput, and OEE capacity modeling.
• Lead supplier quality management system audits (ISO/IATF/AS9100) and oversee closure of findings.
• Lead complex Run @ Rates and validation of process flow, PFMEA, and control plan robustness.
• Oversee supplier assessments, ensuring cross‑functional alignment and sustainable closure of open issues.
• Train and develop suppliers and internal teams on PPAP requirements and APQP methodology.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and long‑term corrective actions for escalated supplier issues impacting production or launches.
• Drive significant cost reduction, DFM collaboration, and strategic improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Coach and mentor SDE engineers; provide technical guidance and support cross‑functional teams.
• Contribute to supplier strategy planning and long‑term capability roadmaps.

• Advanced understanding of APQP, PPAP, Run @ Rate, and Safe Launch methodologies.
• Expert‑level knowledge in at least three of the six Fox manufacturing processes (Precision Machining, Forging‑Impacts, Plastic Injection Molding, Electronics, Surface Finishes, Assembly).
• Strong analytical skills with ability to model cost, capacity, and process capability.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawings, tolerance stack‑ups, and tooling/process interactions.
• Expertise in ISO/IATF/AS9100 auditing and advanced problem‑solving methodologies (6σ, 8D, PFMEA).
• Demonstrated ability to influence and improve supplier performance on a global scale.
• Strong ability to lead cross‑cultural communication and complex negotiations.
• Up to 50% domestic and international travel.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• 6+ years of supplier development, supplier quality, or relevant engineering experience.
• Demonstrated success leading high‑impact supplier improvement initiatives and new product introductions.