Supplier Development Engineer
About The Position
The Supplier Development Engineer works with Supply Chain, including Sourcing and Purchasing, to develop and execute projects aligned with quality and supply chain strategies. The role assesses new and prospective suppliers, monitors ongoing supplier performance, and establishes goals and measures for purchased-part and product quality. It collaborates with internal and external stakeholders—including Global Technology, Product Applications Technology, Codes and Standards, and Process Engineering—to support supply chain decisions and continuous improvement. This role is hybrid, with the ideal candidate located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and working onsite 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 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 the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive 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.
- Project Management exposure.
- Supply Chain Management exposure.
- Total Quality Management exposure.
- LEAN Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
Responsibilities
- Manage and monitor supplier performance and cost of poor quality (COPQ) by initiating and reviewing key performance indicators.
- Implement, monitor, and report supplier development and quality metrics through the Uponor Supplier Scorecard, and proactively address deviations from targets.
- Communicate 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 help execute those strategies across commodity categories.
- Participate in setting project goals and objectives, and oversee or lead major supply chain risk-based initiatives.
- Lead the Supplier Development Engineer group as a liaison for New Product Development efforts, obtaining and providing stakeholder input on design, manufacturing, material specifications, drawings, inspection procedures, and manufacturing procedures.
- Assess new and prospective suppliers to support business needs.
- Deliver Uponor Supplier Quality onboarding and refresher training to new suppliers and new personnel at current suppliers, monitor performance in key training areas, and provide feedback.
- Participate in, manage, or assist with major and critical SCARs and supplier-related product-quality investigations and alerts.
- Contribute proactively to team initiatives that support business success.
- Collaborate with suppliers to identify improvements and implement process enhancements that improve quality, cost, and delivery.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- 160 hours of paid time off, combining PTO and Employee Safe and Sick Time accruals for Minnesota-based employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
