Sr. Supplier Process Engineer - Plastics

Milwaukee Tool•Brookfield, WI

About The Position

WE CREATE EMPOWERED LEADERS! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success. As Senior Quality Engineer, you’ll be integral to our production operations, leading quality initiatives that ensure our motor products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. The Supplier Process Engineer (SPE) provides quality and technical guidance to engineering on cross-functional R&D and Operations projects, including New Product Development, Product Support, and Value Engineering. The primary duty of this position is to provide supplier selection support, technical expertise, and supplier development for Milwaukee Tool's key suppliers. SPE will participate in on-site supplier process assessments/audits to assess supplier technical capabilities and provide on-site support as needed. This position will develop action plans and drive implementation to close supplier technical gaps within component manufacturing. Behind our doors you'll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to support the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. With the support and resources of one of the fastest-growing brands in the construction industry, you’ll help shape the future of manufacturing quality at Milwaukee Tool—where innovation meets precision, and every product reflects our commitment to excellence. Your Role on Our Team: Supplier Capability, Auditing & Quality Systems Lead end‑to‑end supplier capability management, including process audits, on‑site assessments, and ongoing system improvements to ensure robust controls, stable processes, and readiness for production. Evaluate and develop supplier manufacturing capability—covering technical assessments, gap analysis, action‑plan development, and execution follow‑up. Implement and maintain supplier quality systems with focus on process controls, metrology, quality management systems (QMS), and auditing practices. Part Approval & Program Launch Lead supplier Part Approval process related deliverables, including DFM, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and production readiness. Support compliant Part Approval submissions for injection‑molded components, ensuring alignment with internal requirements and program timing. Issue Resolution & Quality Performance Drive sustainable closure of supplier quality issues, leading NCMR creation, SCAR execution, and structured problem solving (8D, Six Sigma, Shainin Red X). Identify systemic quality trends through data analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions to prevent recurrence. Tooling, Molding Process Expertise & Optimization Provide specialized injection molding expertise: hot/cold runners, valve gating, hydraulic/pneumatic core pull, mold flow interpretation, shrink considerations, and thermoplastic material behavior. Support tooling lifecycle activities including tool design reviews, supplier tool maintenance practices, and trial build validations (T0/T1/Tn). Collaborate with engineering to recommend process and tooling improvements that enhance quality, reduce cost, and support Value Engineering initiatives. Process Capability & Statistical Control Validate and monitor supplier process capability using Cp/Cpk, control charts, sampling plans, DOE, and other statistical techniques. Ensure suppliers utilize data‑driven controls that maintain stable, predictable molding processes. Leadership, Influence & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Support cross‑functional teams to solve complex problems, communicate technical concepts clearly, and influence supplier decisions that support quality, cost, and delivery expectations. Provide technical communication to engineering, purchasing, and quality teams regarding supplier capabilities and process readiness. Risk Management Assess supplier technical and operational risk, develop mitigation plans, and support supplier transitions or exits when required.

Requirements

BS in Plastics Engineering Technology or equivalent; RJG Master Molder I/II strongly preferred.
Minimum 5 years hands‑on thermoplastics processing experience.
Strong understanding of mold design, tooling principles, material data, and injection molding processes.
Demonstrated leadership in complex project execution within cross‑functional environments.
Experience with supplier management, including assessment, auditing, development, performance evaluation, and improvement planning.
Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including NCMR, SCAR, PPAP, APQP, FMEA, and root cause methodologies.
Travel required up to 25-50% domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt).
Experience with ISO‑9001, TS16949, or VDA 6.3 audits.
Self‑starter who thrives in fast‑paced environments and builds organizational capability.
Ability to identify risks, communicate effectively, build action plans, and deliver results.

Responsibilities

Lead end‑to‑end supplier capability management, including process audits, on‑site assessments, and ongoing system improvements to ensure robust controls, stable processes, and readiness for production.
Evaluate and develop supplier manufacturing capability—covering technical assessments, gap analysis, action‑plan development, and execution follow‑up.
Implement and maintain supplier quality systems with focus on process controls, metrology, quality management systems (QMS), and auditing practices.
Lead supplier Part Approval process related deliverables, including DFM, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and production readiness.
Support compliant Part Approval submissions for injection‑molded components, ensuring alignment with internal requirements and program timing.
Drive sustainable closure of supplier quality issues, leading NCMR creation, SCAR execution, and structured problem solving (8D, Six Sigma, Shainin Red X).
Identify systemic quality trends through data analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions to prevent recurrence.
Provide specialized injection molding expertise: hot/cold runners, valve gating, hydraulic/pneumatic core pull, mold flow interpretation, shrink considerations, and thermoplastic material behavior.
Support tooling lifecycle activities including tool design reviews, supplier tool maintenance practices, and trial build validations (T0/T1/Tn).
Collaborate with engineering to recommend process and tooling improvements that enhance quality, reduce cost, and support Value Engineering initiatives.
Validate and monitor supplier process capability using Cp/Cpk, control charts, sampling plans, DOE, and other statistical techniques.
Ensure suppliers utilize data‑driven controls that maintain stable, predictable molding processes.
Support cross‑functional teams to solve complex problems, communicate technical concepts clearly, and influence supplier decisions that support quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
Provide technical communication to engineering, purchasing, and quality teams regarding supplier capabilities and process readiness.
Assess supplier technical and operational risk, develop mitigation plans, and support supplier transitions or exits when required.