Supplier Development Engineer - Coatings & Cosmetics

Brunswick • Fond Du Lac, WI

93d • $84,500 - $136,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Global Supplier Quality team, Mercury Marine is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer - Coatings and Cosmetics to drive process and product improvements, support new product development, and lead APQP processes where applicable. This role will serve as the subject matter expert who will collaborate and guide engineering development, ensure appropriate part zoning, develop inspection criteria / training with suppliers, and lead design for manufacturing activities. This role involves all supply management and manufacturing aspects including but not limited to supplier quality program development, and oversight. The candidate should have proven analytical, project management, personnel management, and interpersonal skills.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum of 6+ years of hands-on experience in painting, cleaning, or inspecting part role, ideally in a Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering role.
• Strong analytical abilities, technical writing abilities and comprehensive understanding of quality tools (such as IATF 16949, statistical methods, MSA, FMEA, DOE, etc).
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and an in-depth knowledge of the application of quality standards, zoning, and specifications.
• Experience with cosmetic classifications and understanding of process parameters that affect cosmetic defects (Appearance/AAR, Class-A, B, or C surfaces).
• Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality results.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving successful project outcomes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
• The ability to provide solutions that reflect an understanding of business objectives and cost implications.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience running a production coating line in manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience supporting product and process development through the product lifecycle and associated assets.
• Previous experience with supply chain/Procurement, APQP/PPAP.
• Certification through ASQ, LSS, PMI, PCI, CCAI, or other applicable recognized organizations.
• Ability to lead a cross-functional review of zoning call outs and contrast supplier or industry known capabilities.
• Ability to understand decal printing and application issues.
• Ability to design racking or masking to assist suppliers if needed.

Responsibilities

• Subject matter expert (SME) for all Mercury related surface cleaning, preparation processes (phosphatizing, E coat, anodizing, passivation, chemistries), along with all coating processes including powder, E coat, and liquid technologies.
• Work closely with Mercury Marine's Material Science group to share a common vision of performance and aligned with appropriate paint to use for given environment.
• Use statistical tools (DOE, MSA/Gage R&R, Process capability, and Statistical Process Control) to drive process and product improvements.
• Suggest and drive improvement ideas to suppliers' surface preparation and coating operations.
• Training (if needed) at the part supplier to assist with skills and / or inspection criteria.
• Review all externally painted part zoning and contrast against the zone definitions to ensure all zoning is appropriate, realistic, and consistent across product families.
• Act as the primary point of contact between Mercury supplier, paint supplier, engineering and manufacturing operations to investigate and resolve supplier quality issues.
• Lead cross-functional teams, facilitate, and improve the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process with suppliers, from initial design stage through PPAP submission and the start of production.
• Serve as a technical resource for new business quoting activities, providing valuable insights and expertise into tooling, gages, chemistry, create project schedules and monitor associated supplier progress to program deliverables.
• Perform supplier audits and site inspections; develop process improvement plans and drive implementation; drive long-term preventative actions.
• Lead supplier DFMEA activities, design reviews, PFMEA and process development as part of early supplier engagement to ensure manufacturing needs are considered in the design phase and proper quality expectations are defined.
• Understand the use and application of Data Paq, DFT gauge, spectrophotometer, gloss gauge, and PCI Orange Peel panels.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance.
• Paid vacation.
• 401k (up to 4% match).
• Health Savings Account (with company contribution).
• Well-being program.
• Product purchase discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees