Sr. Supplier Development Engineer

We are seeking a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer to manage, enhance and improve supplier performance related to quality, cost and delivery.

The successful candidate will proactively develop suppliers to meet current and future business requirements utilizing supplier assessment audits, on-site reviews, supplier process sign-offs (PSO), and provide supplier training as needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading supplier qualification, development, and readiness for new and existing programs
• Supporting supplier selection through readiness status and development input to sourcing
• Driving AQP activities to ensure supplier readiness for sourcing and launch
• Acting as liaison between suppliers and cross-functional teams (purchasing, engineering, plant quality)
• Coordinating supplier readiness reviews, technical reviews, and program meetings
• Tracking supplier deliverables, action plans, and timing commitments
• Conducting process audits and supplier assessments to evaluate manufacturing capability, controls, and risks
• Documenting audit findings, gaps, and risk items with clear recommendations
• Maintaining structured tracking of audit findings and supplier development actions
• Driving closure of corrective actions and verifying effectiveness on-site
• Leading supplier containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation for major quality issues
• Reviewing and validating problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.)
• Monitoring supplier performance and escalating issues through appropriate channels
• Maintaining organized records of audits, supplier actions, and performance metrics
• Preparing dashboards, summaries, and reports for management and cross-functional teams
• Driving supplier performance improvements using KPI tracking, Lean methods, and continuous improvement (Kaizen)

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field)
• Minimum of 6-10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, supplier development, quality, or supply chain
• Strong knowledge of APQP (AQP), PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and core quality tools
• Experience with supplier audits, process assessments, and manufacturing process evaluation
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with data tracking and reporting tools
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills with ability to work cross-functionally and with global suppliers