Supplier Development Engineer

Georg Fischer • Apple Valley, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Supplier Development Engineer works collaboratively with Supply Chain (Sourcing and Purchasing) to develop, support, and execute projects and initiatives aligned with quality and supply chain strategic planning. The role assesses new and prospective suppliers and monitors ongoing supplier performance. It establishes business relationships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborates with Supply Chain and cross-functional teams—including Global Technology, Product Applications Technology, Codes and Standards, and Process Engineering—to support sound supply chain decisions. The position establishes and communicates purchased-part and product-quality measures and goals to suppliers and Commodity Managers to drive continuous improvement.

This is a hybrid position. The ideal candidate will be located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, with onsite work at the North American manufacturing headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Domestic and international travel may be required as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Supply Chain.
• 0 to 3 years of experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate and lead cross-functional project team activities effectively and efficiently.
• Exposure to quality tools and methodologies, including PPAP, production control plans, 8D problem solving, and capability analysis (Cpk and Ppk).
• Demonstrated decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with supplier auditing, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
• Project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive them to completion.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining and/or injection molding.
• Exposure to Supplier Quality Management.
• Exposure to Project Management.
• Exposure to Supply Chain Management.
• Exposure to Total Quality Management.
• LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor supplier performance and cost of poor quality (COPQ) for new and existing suppliers by initiating and reviewing key performance indicators.
• Implement, monitor, and report supplier development performance and quality metrics according to the Uponor Supplier Scorecard, and proactively address deviations from targets. This includes communicating verification testing results, PPAP dispositions, ADR dispositions, and the thoroughness and timeliness of SCAR responses.
• Represent Supplier Development in aligning supplier quality and supply chain strategies and tactics with cross-functional teams, and support execution across commodity categories.
• Participate in setting project goals and objectives, and oversee and lead major supply chain risk-based initiatives within the function or department; influence middle management on business solutions.
• Lead the Supplier Development group’s liaison role for New Product Development efforts, soliciting and providing stakeholder input on design, manufacturing, material specifications, drawings, inspection procedures, and manufacturing procedures to ensure products can be manufactured and tested to Uponor requirements.
• Assess new and prospective suppliers to support business needs.
• Deliver Uponor Supplier Quality onboarding or refresher training to new suppliers and new personnel at current suppliers; monitor training-related performance and provide supplier feedback.
• Participate in, manage, or assist the product quality group with major or critical SCARs and supplier-related quality investigations and alerts.
• Contribute proactively to team initiatives that support business success.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify improvement opportunities and implement process enhancements that improve quality, cost, and delivery.

Benefits

• Best-in-class health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
• 160 hours of paid time off, combining PTO and Employee Safe and Sick Time accruals for Minnesota-based employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level