Supplier Development Engineer – Appliance

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Kentucky.

📋 Description

• Identify, assess, develop, and qualify alternative suppliers for critical and single-source purchased components.

• Maintain a prioritized list of essential components, taking into account supply risk, expenditure, lead time, and customer impact.

• Conduct on-site evaluations of supplier capabilities, capacity, quality systems, and processes.

• Assess the financial and operational risks associated with current and potential suppliers.

• Lead the qualification of new sources in collaboration with Quality and Engineering, which includes reviewing drawings and specifications, first article inspections, PPAP or equivalent approvals, capability studies, and trial runs.

• Secure OEM customer approval for any required supplier and component modifications.

• Plan and implement transitions of components to new suppliers, encompassing tooling transfers, bank builds, and the timing and plant cut-in of approved parts.

• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D) with suppliers concerning quality, delivery, and capacity challenges.

• Monitor supplier improvement plans and their outcomes.

• Drive cost reduction initiatives through competitive quoting, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), localization, and design-for-manufacturability contributions.

• Support should-cost analysis efforts.

• Contribute specifications, tolerances, and quality requirements to RFQs and supply agreements.

• Track and report on sourcing project statuses, savings, supplier scorecard outcomes, and risk reduction to supply chain and segment leadership.

• Report directly to the Director of Supply Chain.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Over 5 years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or sourcing within a manufacturing context.

• Practical experience in qualifying new suppliers and transitioning purchased components, including tooling transfers.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Proficient understanding of PPAP/APQP, first article inspections, capability studies, and 8D problem-solving methodologies.

• Familiarity with stamping, forming, wire, glass, injection molding, machining, and coating/finishing processes.

• Strong project management skills and capability to operate independently.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

• Willingness to travel 40–50%, including international travel.

• Fluent in English.

• Experience in appliance, automotive, or other high-volume OEM supply chains is preferred.

• Experience working with suppliers in Mexico and/or Asia is preferred.

• CQE, Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, or Lean certification is preferred.

• Spanish fluency is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Competitive salary.

• Extensive benefits.