Supplier Development Engineer, Additive

Job Purpose

The Supplier Development Engineer supports the low-volume production team, specifically focusing on additive manufacturing, post-processing, and generator assembly operations. They are responsible for developing and managing suppliers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and reliable delivery of components and assemblies. This role is essential to the continuous improvement of our supply chain, ensuring it meets the stringent demands of low-volume, high-complexity production in both additive manufacturing and traditional assembly processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supplier Development & Management:
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers specializing in additive manufacturing, post-processing (e.g., heat treatment, surface finishing), and generator assembly components.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers to ensure clear communication of technical, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve their manufacturing processes, particularly in post-processing operations, to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance reviews to ensure adherence to company standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Post-Processing Oversight:
• Ensure that suppliers are capable of meeting the specific post-processing requirements (e.g., surface finish, tolerance control, heat treatment) for additive manufacturing parts.
• Work with suppliers to refine post-processing techniques to meet the high standards of product quality, durability, and performance.
• Evaluate and improve the integration of post-processing steps within the supply chain to reduce lead times and increase cost efficiency.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring:
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier quality, on-time delivery, post-processing accuracy, and lead time.
• Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and ensure proper root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented.
• Drive supplier performance improvements through proactive problem-solving and process optimization.
• Technical Support & Problem Solving:
• Work closely with internal production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve supplier-related issues and ensure a smooth production process, particularly for additive and post-processing operations.
• Provide technical support to suppliers to improve manufacturability, with a focus on meeting post-processing specifications and minimizing defects.
• Ensure that suppliers meet design for manufacturability (DFM) standards and provide feedback to enhance their production capabilities.
• Risk Mitigation & Continuous Improvement:
• Assess and mitigate risks in the supply chain related to additive manufacturing, post-processing, and generator assembly.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement lean principles and reduce waste, particularly in post-processing and assembly stages.
• Lead supplier development initiatives to ensure capacity and readiness for current and future production demands.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Partner with internal teams such as engineering, production, procurement, and quality to ensure supplier parts are integrated seamlessly into production processes.
• Contribute to new product introduction (NPI) by ensuring suppliers are aligned with project timelines and quality expectations.
• Work with suppliers to optimize supply chain efficiency, especially in managing the flow of parts between additive manufacturing, post-processing, and final assembly.

Qualifications

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications include:

• Education, Experience and Certifications
  
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field required.
  • 3-5 years of experience in supplier development, supply chain management, or manufacturing engineering, with a focus on additive manufacturing, post-processing, or generator assembly.
  • Experience in supplier auditing, qualification, and performance management
  • Experience in post-processing operations, especially in additive manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards related to additive manufacturing and post processing preferred.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems and supplier quality management tools is preferred.
  
  
  
  
• Skills and Abilities
  
  
  
  • Strong understanding of additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing, direct metal laser sintering) and post-processing techniques (e.g., heat treatment, surface finishing).
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships.
  • Proficiency in quality control methods, including Six Sigma, Lean, or similar methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach preferred.
  • Willingness to travel to supplier locations as required (up to 25%)
  
  
  
  

Role Classification and Working Conditions

This is a salaried, exempt-level position. This position typically works in an office environment; and given the nature of our business is also exposed to operations/warehouse/production environments.

We are not accepting candidates who require sponsorship for this position at this time.