Associate Principal Supplier Quality Engineer – Supplier Development

Penumbra • Alameda, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Penumbra is establishing a dedicated Supplier Development capability within Supplier Quality Engineering to strengthen supplier capability, improve long-term supply continuity and resiliency, and support strategic supply chain initiatives. The Associate Principal Supplier Quality Engineer (Supplier Development) serves as a technical and program leader for high-priority supplier initiatives, partnering with Strategic Procurement and cross-functional stakeholders to define strategies, align resources, manage interdependent workstreams, and drive programs through execution.

The role leads complex, cross-functional supplier development programs spanning supplier qualification, capability improvement, risk reduction, and supply continuity. It establishes program plans, integrates technical and business requirements, manages risks and dependencies, and mobilizes internal and external stakeholders to improve supplier quality, scalability, process robustness, and readiness for business growth. The position provides technical leadership across a portfolio of supplier initiatives and influences decisions affecting supply continuity, product quality, and long-term supplier strategy.

The successful candidate will independently translate strategic supplier priorities into executable plans, lead multiple complex initiatives, align stakeholders, and deliver measurable results on schedule. The role will improve supplier capability, reduce supply chain risk, strengthen supplier performance and supply continuity, and help shape the growth, priorities, and operating model of the Supplier Development organization. This position is based in Alameda, California, and requires onsite work. Business travel may range from 0% to 25%.

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 experience 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 development of 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 onsite.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds, move between buildings and floors, and remain stationary while using a computer or standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to read, prepare emails, produce documents and spreadsheets, access office files or supplies as needed, 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 and support supplier capability development initiatives to improve quality, scalability, process robustness, and 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, variation reduction, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Perform supplier capability assessments, manufacturing evaluations, and technical due diligence.
• Provide technical, quality, and manufacturing assessments for make-versus-buy analyses.
• Identify and drive opportunities to improve supplier performance, reduce supply risk, and strengthen supplier controls.
• Lead supplier qualification activities, including process assessments, manufacturing readiness evaluations, and technical reviews.
• Support complex supplier programs, including large qualifications, supplier expansions, and supplier capability growth efforts.
• Lead supplier stabilization and monitoring for new suppliers, outsourced processes, and developing supply chains.
• Support Strategic Procurement with category strategy, diversification, new supplier identification and qualification, supply risk reduction, inspection programs, and outsource-program evaluations.
• Assess supplier capability, capacity, scalability, and operational risks that could affect supply continuity.
• Support supplier segmentation and risk stratification, and participate in subtier supplier assessments and mitigation efforts when appropriate.
• Drive technical risk reduction for critical suppliers and supply chain initiatives; support long-term supply continuity and supplier 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 teams through influence, align stakeholders on priorities and accountability, 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 concise program updates on supplier performance, schedule status, risks, dependencies, decisions, and recovery plans.
• Build strong supplier relationships to drive sustainable improvements and long-term partnerships.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Eleven paid company holidays per year
• At least fifteen days of accrued vacation per year, increasing with tenure
• Paid sick time in compliance with applicable laws
• Equity program, when applicable
• Collaborative teamwork environment with ongoing learning and performance rewards

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior