Lead Supplier Development Engineer

Job Description

As a Lead Supplier Development Engineer supporting Power Systems, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the enhancement of our organization's supplier base. You will play a pivotal part in improving supplier performance, fostering innovation, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services to meet growing rates of demand.

You will report directly to the Sr. Director, Mechanical Assembly and APU Supplier Development and you’ll work out of our Phoenix, AZ location on a Hybrid, work schedule.

In this role, you will impact our company by driving operational excellence and improving supplier performance while leading and managing supplier development efforts across the APU supply base. Your expertise in strategic sourcing and supply chain management contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our supply chain. Your role is essential in ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality products and supporting our organization's growth and success.

You will serve as the lead focal point for supplier readiness across APU, driving cross‑functional alignment, mentoring supplier development engineers, and ensuring execution of strategic supplier initiatives.

• Develop and execute supplier development strategies that align with the organization's goals, ensuring the enhancement of supplier performance and capabilities to meet increasing demand.
• Establish and enforce supplier performance standards, conduct regular capacity assessments, and collaborate with suppliers to identify areas of improvement, ensuring quality and reliability.
• Drive innovation in supplier processes and product offerings, encouraging continuous improvement and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Foster and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, transparency, and mutual growth.
• Identify and provide resources for supplier capability building, ensuring alignment with the organization's evolving needs and requirements.
• Assess and mitigate supplier‑related risks, including disruptions, quality issues, and compliance concerns, safeguarding the supply chain.
• Manage the supplier development budget, allocate resources efficiently, and seek cost‑effective solutions while maintaining high quality.
• Partner with Suppliers to lead and support OPEX projects enabling improvements in product flow/throughput, lead time reduction, and yield.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in technical discipline such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics.
• At least 8 years of experience in supplier development, engineering, or a related role.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional initiatives.
• Experience managing complex supplier portfolios or global suppliers.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial acumen.
• In‑depth knowledge of supplier development strategies, supplier relationship management, and quality control.
• Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier performance assessment, and supplier capability building.
• Strong skills in driving innovation in supplier processes and cost‑saving initiatives.

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in engineering or a related field.
• Experience mentoring or leading people.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to drive change and influence stakeholders.
• Proven track record of delivering results.
• Demonstrated ability to act with urgency.
• Capable of developing and improving management operating systems.
• Professional certifications in Project/Supply Chain/Procurement/Contract Management.
• Expertise in improving supplier capabilities to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements, including knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in supplier development.
• Comprehensive understanding of managing end‑to‑end supply chain processes efficiently.
• Cross‑functional experience at the interfaces of engineering/technology, operations, sales/marketing.
• Ability to analyze supplier performance data to drive continuous improvement.
• Capability to identify and mitigate risks in the supplier network.
• Proficiency in managing cross‑functional projects involving suppliers and internal teams.
• Knowledge of lean principles to enhance supplier processes and reduce waste.
• Effective communication skills for collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Driving initiatives to improve supplier performance and operational efficiency.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning tools to track supplier data and procurement activities.