Senior Supplier Technical Engineer

Solar Turbines•Newport Beach, CA

7d•$112,704 - $169,056•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) has technical accountability for assigned purchased parts from initial concept through the product life cycle, including quality management. The role requires technical knowledge of metal fabrication, welding, heat treat, and machining, and the ability to understand complex supplier technical issues and develop solutions. The STE communicates technical requirements to suppliers, monitors supplier quality performance and trends, and collaborates with Sourcing Specialists and Buyers on supplier performance improvement and selection. The position coordinates with engineering on Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI); participates in design and process FMEA; leads PPAP; develops FAPITP with initial input from Design Engineering; and works with Design Engineering to disposition Reject Notices and Requests for Technical Authorization. This position is onsite five days a week. Visa sponsorship is not available. Employment offers are conditioned on successful completion of a drug screen.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a technical subject with 5 to 7+ years of experience, or 10+ years of manufacturing experience in lieu of a degree.
Knowledge of engineering practices and process planning, including interpretation of drawings, tooling concepts, NDT, and functional testing.
Technical knowledge in metal fabrication, welding, heat treat, and machining.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on manufacturing experience.
Highest level of ethics and professionalism.
Strong analytical problem-solving skills and ability to use and communicate statistical and problem-solving tools, including root cause analysis and corrective action skills.
Well-developed interpersonal skills for dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions inside and outside of Solar.
Knowledge of 6 Sigma tools and techniques; training may be completed after entering the position.
Familiarity with project management and Design of Experiment (DOE).
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Solar and its suppliers.
Familiarity with quality management principles.
Project management skills.

Responsibilities

Maintain technical accountability for assigned purchased parts from initial concept through the product life cycle, including all aspects of quality management.
Understand supplier technical issues and provide ideas and solutions for complex and challenging problems.
Communicate technical requirements to suppliers, including design and drawing review, Configuration Management input, Baan ERP functions, and applicable quality notes.
Monitor supplier quality performance data and trends.
Collaborate with Sourcing Specialists and Buyers to develop and implement supplier performance improvement strategies using root cause analysis and corrective and preventative action methodologies.
Provide technical subject matter expertise in supplier selection, including participating on survey teams and supporting supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing evaluation.
Coordinate with engineering personnel on CPPD, NPI, and CPI.
Participate in design and process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Lead the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and develop the First Article Production Inspection Test Plan (FAPITP) with initial input from Design Engineering.
Work with Design Engineering to disposition Reject Notices (RNs) and Requests for Technical Authorization (RTAs).