Supplier Development Engineer

Georg Fischer • Lakeville, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Supplier Development Engineer works collaboratively with Supply Chain, including 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, monitors ongoing supplier performance, and builds internal and external business relationships to support assignments and sound supply chain decisions. The position collaborates with cross-functional teams, including Global Technology, Product Applications Technology, Codes and Standards, and Process Engineering.

The role establishes measures and goals for purchased-part or product quality and communicates them regularly to suppliers and Commodity Managers to drive continuous improvement. It is a hybrid position; the ideal candidate is located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and works onsite at the Lakeville, Minnesota location.

The Supplier Development Engineer manages supplier performance and cost of poor quality, monitors supplier quality and development metrics, supports supplier strategies and risk-based initiatives, and serves as a key liaison for New Product Development. The position also assesses and trains suppliers, supports investigations and corrective actions, and works with suppliers to improve quality, cost, and delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Supply Chain.
• Zero to three 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 and the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with supplier auditing, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
• Project management skills, including managing multiple projects simultaneously and driving them to completion.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in 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.
• LE​AN Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Actively manage and monitor supplier performance and manage cost of poor quality for new and existing suppliers by initiating and reviewing key performance indicators.
• Implement, monitor, and report supplier development performance and quality metrics using the Uponor Supplier Scorecard, and take proactive measures when performance deviates from targets.
• Communicate verification testing results, PPAP dispositions, ADR dispositions, and SCAR response quality and timeliness.
• Represent Supplier Development in cross-functional alignment of supplier quality and supply chain strategies and tactics across commodity categories.
• Participate in setting project goals and objectives and oversee or lead major risk-based supply chain initiatives; influence middle management on business solutions.
• Lead the Supplier Development Engineer group as a liaison for New Product Development efforts, soliciting and providing stakeholder input on designs, manufacturing, material specifications, drawings, inspection procedures, and manufacturing procedures.
• Assess new and prospective suppliers to support business needs.
• Deliver Uponor Supplier Quality onboarding or refresher training to new suppliers or new personnel at current suppliers, monitor performance in key training areas, and provide feedback.
• Participate in, manage, or assist with major or critical SCARs and quality investigations or alerts related to suppliers.
• 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 medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 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