Supplier Development Engineer

Multimatic

About The Position

The Supplier Development Engineer at Multimatic is responsible for leading supplier qualification, development, and readiness for both new and existing programs within the automotive industry. This role involves supporting supplier selection by providing readiness status and development input to sourcing, and driving Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) activities to ensure supplier readiness for sourcing and launch. The engineer acts as a liaison between suppliers and various cross-functional teams, coordinating reviews and tracking deliverables. Key responsibilities also include conducting process audits and supplier assessments to evaluate manufacturing capabilities, controls, and risks, documenting findings, and driving corrective actions. The position leads problem resolution for major quality issues, monitors supplier performance, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methods and KPI tracking. Compliance with the Multimatic Supplier Quality Manual, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 is essential. The role requires effective communication with global suppliers and occasional international travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field)
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, supplier development, quality, or supply chain
Strong knowledge of APQP (AQP), PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and core quality tools
Experience with supplier audits, process assessments, and manufacturing process evaluation
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
Working knowledge of IATF 164949 and ISO 14001 systems
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with data tracking and reporting tools
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills with ability to work cross-functionally and with global suppliers

Responsibilities

Lead supplier qualification, development, and readiness for new and existing programs
Support supplier selection through readiness status and development input to sourcing
Drive AQP activities to ensure supplier readiness for sourcing and launch
Act as liaison between suppliers and cross-functional teams (purchasing, engineering, plant quality)
Coordinate supplier readiness reviews, technical reviews, and program meetings
Track supplier deliverables, action plans, and timing commitments
Support PSO activities, PPAP submissions, and overall supplier launch execution
Conduct process audits and supplier assessments to evaluate manufacturing capability, controls, and risks
Document audit findings, gaps, and risk items with clear recommendations
Maintain structured tracking of audit findings and supplier development actions
Drive closure of corrective actions and verify effectiveness on-site
Perform capacity evaluations, run-at-rate, and sourcing risk assessments to support program decisions
Lead supplier containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation for major quality issues
Review and validate problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.)
Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues through appropriate channels
Maintain organized records of audits, supplier actions, and performance metrics
Prepare dashboards, summaries, and reports for management and cross-functional teams
Drive supplier performance improvements using KPI tracking, Lean methods, and continuous improvement (Kaizen)
Support development and improvement of internal procedures, process maps, and digital tools (SharePoint, SAP)
Identify gaps in current processes and propose improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Promote and enforce compliance with the Multimatic Supplier Quality Manual within the supply base
Work in compliance with IATF 164949 and ISO 14001 and applicable customer requirements
Maintain effective communication with global suppliers in a multicultural environment
Ability to travel occasionally, including international travel, based on supplier and program needs
Perform other duties as assigned