Sr Supplier Engineer – Electronics, Future Forward

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

22h

About The Position

The Senior Supplier Engineer – Electronics will lead supplier engineering on a design project, influencing design architecture, component specifications, and manufacturing processes based on supplier capabilities. The role supports supplier selection and bill-of-material cost targets through design-for-manufacturing (DFM), cost modeling, and commodity knowledge. It also owns component qualification and launch planning, and drives suppliers’ ongoing improvement of business and manufacturing processes after launch. The engineer works closely with design and quality engineering teams and suppliers to translate design intent into measurable specifications, select appropriate component technologies, address design and supply risks, and ensure readiness for production. The role includes leading design transfer and qualification activities, developing supplier ramp plans, and using performance metrics to guide supplier improvement and intervention.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent.
At least 8 years of related experience in Supplier Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrable knowledge of electronics, motors, cable assembly, and PCBA-related manufacturing processes, including quality input variables, supplier test design, qualification, and capacity.
General understanding of manufacturing processes such as metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, extrusion, and/or contract manufacturing.
Ability to work with design engineers and assess supplier capability during design iterations.
Knowledge of how to evaluate and challenge supplier technical, quality, and business capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to executive-level management.
Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and good judgment.
Significant computer experience using Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and ERP information systems; SAP is preferred.
Ability to read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings and communicate technical information.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of technologies used in motor controls, including incremental and absolute encoders.
Knowledge of technologies used in cable connections.
Experience with GD&T and component measurement techniques.
Experience with tolerance stack analysis and 3D CAD modeling tools.
Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485.

Responsibilities

Partner with design engineering to understand design intent and its translation into component design.
Ensure critical design outputs are clearly documented and measurable in component specifications.
Influence component technology selection to meet short- and long-term needs from prototype through production while supporting cost objectives and preferred suppliers.
Collaborate with Quality Engineering and Design Engineering on dFMEA reviews and the feasibility of design risk mitigations.
Drive changes to component specifications and perform DFM activities to establish robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
Work with design engineering to develop test methods and acceptance criteria for supplied parts or subassemblies.
Develop strategies to optimize the supply base and reduce risks from complex sub-tier suppliers and long lead times.
Determine risk mitigations for high-severity parts, sole suppliers, and proprietary materials.
Lead design transfer and component qualification, including pFMEA, special process validations, FAI, correlation, and Cpk; train and mentor suppliers through the process.
Develop supplier ramp-readiness plans based on forecast, supplier capacity, quality performance, and process capability.
Drive supplier corrective actions, including root-cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions.
Develop and influence metrics for supplier part cost, delivery, quality, capacity, and capability to measure improvement and determine supplier or commodity interventions.