Supplier Development Engineer – Appliance

Company: SSW Advanced Technologies, LLC
Location: Remote, with frequent travel to plants and supplier sites in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and internationally
Travel: Approximately 40–50%
Employment type: Full-time, exempt
Compensation: $90,000–$110,000 annual salary plus a full benefits package

SSW Advanced Technologies is a leading manufacturer of engineered components for major appliance OEMs. We’re looking for a Supplier Development Engineer to strengthen the supply base for our Appliance Segment, a multi-plant operation that makes wire, glass and component products for some of the best-known names in home appliances.

You’ll find, develop and qualify alternate suppliers for critical purchased components, so our plants have a reliable, cost-competitive supply base. Those plants include:

•  San Luis Potosí, MX; Sweetwater, TN; Vincennes, IN; Midland, ON; Clinton, IA; Madison, TN

This role reports to the Director, Supply Chain. It’s a strong fit for a technical, hands-on engineer who enjoys getting into supplier shops, solving problems and delivering measurable savings.

• Develop alternate sources: Identify, evaluate, develop and qualify alternate suppliers for critical and single-source purchased components, to reduce supply risk and improve cost.
• Assess supply base risk: Maintain a prioritized list of critical components based on supply risk, spend, lead time and customer impact, and recommend and execute sourcing plans.
• Audit suppliers: Conduct on-site audits of supplier capability, capacity, quality systems and processes, and evaluate the financial and operational risk of current and prospective suppliers.
• Qualify parts: Lead qualification of new sources with Quality and Engineering, including drawing and specification review, first article inspection, PPAP or equivalent approval, capability studies and trial runs.
• Coordinate customer approvals: Work with Engineering, Quality and Sales to obtain OEM customer approval for supplier and component changes where required.
• Manage transitions: Plan and execute the move of components to new suppliers, including tooling transfers, bank builds, timing and cut-in of approved parts at the plants.
• Improve supplier performance: Lead root cause analysis and corrective action (8D) with suppliers on quality, delivery and capacity issues, and track improvement plans to results.
• Drive cost reduction: Find savings through competitive quoting, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), localization and design-for-manufacturability input, and support should-cost analysis.
• Provide technical support: Contribute specifications, tolerances and quality requirements to RFQs and supply agreements.
• Report results: Track and report sourcing project status, savings, supplier scorecard results and risk reduction to supply chain and segment leadership.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing or Materials Engineering, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering or sourcing in a manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience qualifying new suppliers and transitioning purchased components, including tooling transfers
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Working knowledge of PPAP/APQP, first article inspection, capability studies and 8D problem solving
• Understanding of processes such as stamping, forming, wire, glass, injection molding, machining and coating/finishing
• Strong project management skills and the ability to work independently
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems
• Willingness to travel 40–50%, including internationally
• Fluent English

Preferred:

• Experience with appliance, automotive or other high-volume OEM supply chains
• Experience working with suppliers in Mexico and/or Asia
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, or Lean certification
• Spanish fluency

Office, manufacturing plant and supplier facility environments, with frequent travel to U.S., Canadian and Mexican plants and to supplier sites, including international travel.

• Make a visible impact on supply reliability and cost across a multi-national segment
• Work directly with plant, quality and supply chain leaders in a hands-on, fast-moving environment
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

SSW Advanced Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.