Advance Procurement Engineer

RealTruck•Ann Arbor, MI

13d•Remote

About The Position

The Advance Procurement Engineer is responsible for proactively identifying future supply chain, technology, and supplier capability requirements by deeply understanding the organization's 5-year product roadmap. This role partners closely with R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Supply Chain leadership to translate future product needs into supplier strategies, technology scouting activities, and innovation partnerships. The position serves as the company's primary interface to the global supply base for emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and supplier-led innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline.
5-7 years spanning Engineering, Product Development, Supplier Development, Advanced Sourcing, Procurement, or Technology Commercialization.
Demonstrated success introducing new technologies or strategic suppliers into product programs.
Occasional travel may be required (10-15%).

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze 3- to 5-year product and technology roadmaps to identify future component, material, manufacturing, and capability requirements.
Challenge assumptions and uncover unmet needs, technology gaps, risks, and supply constraints before development programs begin.
Facilitate alignment between R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Procurement regarding future technology direction.
Conduct global market intelligence and technology scouting activities.
Identify emerging suppliers, technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes that support future product requirements.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of innovative suppliers capable of supporting next-generation products.
Monitor technology trends, patents, startup ecosystems, industry conferences, and competitive developments.
Establish strategic relationships with key suppliers to drive co-development opportunities.
Create supplier innovation workshops and technology reviews.
Introduce external innovations into product development programs.
Evaluate supplier technology roadmaps for alignment with business objectives.
Support concept, feasibility, and development phases of new products.
Influence design decisions based on supplier capabilities, cost drivers, manufacturability, and technology readiness.
Lead early supplier involvement initiatives.
Assess sourcing risks for future technologies and develop mitigation plans.
Serve as the primary procurement representative within advanced engineering and R&D teams.
Present findings and recommendations to engineering, industrial design, product management leadership and executive management.