Associate Principal Supplier Quality Engineer – Supplier Development

Penumbra•Alameda, CA

33d•$138,000 - $176,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Principal Supplier Quality Engineer (Supplier Development) will serve as a technical and program leader for high-priority supplier initiatives, partnering with Strategic Procurement and cross-functional stakeholders to define strategy, align resources, manage interdependent workstreams, and drive programs through execution. The role will help shape and grow an emerging Supplier Development organization, with broad business visibility and long-term impact. This position leads complex, cross-functional supplier development programs involving supplier qualification, capability improvement, risk reduction, and supply continuity. Responsibilities include establishing program plans; integrating technical and business requirements; managing risks and dependencies; and mobilizing internal and external stakeholders to improve supplier quality, scalability, process robustness, and readiness for business growth. The individual provides technical leadership across a portfolio of supplier initiatives and influences decisions affecting supply continuity, product quality, and long-term supplier strategy. The position is based in Alameda, California, and requires on-site work. Business travel may range from 0% to 25%. Work takes place in general office, laboratory, and cleanroom environments, with potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The role includes occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds, moving between buildings and floors, extended periods of stationary computer and office-equipment use, and frequent communication and document preparation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
At least 8 years of progressive experience in Supplier Engineering, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality Engineering, Project Engineering, Operations Engineering, or related technical functions, including leading complex cross-functional programs.
Experience leading supplier development, process improvement, supplier value-add, or capability development initiatives.
Experience working directly with suppliers to resolve technical, quality, or manufacturing challenges.
Demonstrated experience partnering with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations.
Demonstrated project management or project engineering experience leading multiple concurrent, complex initiatives, including developing project plans, schedules, milestones, and executive-level status updates.
Ability to independently lead ambiguous, high-impact initiatives; translate strategic objectives into executable plans; and drive internal and external stakeholders to timely decisions and measurable results.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Willingness and ability to work on site.
Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to move between buildings and floors; remain stationary and use a computer or other standard office equipment for extended periods; read and prepare emails and documents and spreadsheets; access file cabinets or supplies; and communicate and exchange accurate information with employees at all levels.

Nice To Haves

Medical device or other regulated manufacturing experience.
Lean or Six Sigma training.
Experience with supplier diversification, second-source programs, or supplier transfer initiatives.
Experience leading supplier Kaizens and continuous improvement efforts.
Experience supporting supplier capability growth, scalability, and operational excellence initiatives.
Experience assessing manufacturing processes, process capability, and production readiness.
Experience with global suppliers and complex supply chains.
Working knowledge of statistical methods, process validation, risk management, and root-cause analysis methodologies.
PMP certification, formal project management training, or equivalent demonstrated experience leading complex technical programs.
ASQ CQE or CQA certification.

Responsibilities

Lead or support supplier capability development initiatives to improve quality, scalability, process robustness, and long-term supplier readiness.
Execute and support supplier improvement roadmaps and long-term development plans aligned with Strategic Procurement strategies and Technical Operations Engineering priorities.
Drive supplier improvement activities, including Kaizen events, process optimization projects, variation reduction, and operational excellence initiatives.
Perform supplier capability assessments, manufacturing evaluations, and technical due diligence.
Support make-versus-buy analyses with technical, quality, and manufacturing assessments.
Identify and drive opportunities to improve supplier performance, supply risk, and supplier controls.
Lead supplier qualification activities, including process assessments, manufacturing readiness evaluations, and technical reviews.
Support complex supplier programs, including large qualifications, supplier expansion, and supplier capability growth.
Lead supplier stabilization and monitoring for new suppliers, outsourced processes, or developing supply chains.
Support Strategic Procurement in category strategy and diversification, supplier identification and development, supply risk reduction and inspection programs, and outsource-program evaluation.
Assess supplier capability, capacity, scalability, and operational risks that may affect supply continuity.
Support supplier segmentation and risk stratification, and participate in subtier supplier assessments and mitigation when appropriate.
Drive technical risk reduction for critical suppliers and supply chain initiatives, and support long-term supply continuity and resiliency strategies.
Lead complex cross-functional supplier development programs from definition through implementation, including scope, milestones, resources, dependencies, risks, and measurable outcomes.
Manage multiple concurrent supplier initiatives; establish integrated project plans and governance; track commitments and critical-path activities; resolve barriers; and escalate decisions needed to maintain schedules and objectives.
Apply engineering and quality tools to identify process variation and improvement opportunities, including supplier Kaizens.
Lead complex supplier root-cause investigations and corrective-action efforts.
Mentor Supplier Quality Engineers and cross-functional team members in supplier quality, process capability, and supplier development methodologies.
Lead internal and supplier cross-functional teams through influence, align stakeholders on priorities and accountabilities, and drive timely decisions across Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality.
Collaborate with Strategic Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Quality teams.
Support new product introductions, supplier transfers, second-source qualifications, and supplier improvement projects.
Provide leadership and project-team updates on supplier performance, schedule status, risks, dependencies, decisions, and recovery plans.
Build strong supplier relationships to drive sustainable improvement and long-term partnerships.