Supplier Development Engineer

ABOUT THE POSITION: We're seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to strengthen supplier capability, reduce risk, and ensure supplied material meets J.W. Speaker quality and performance standards throughout the product lifecycle. You'll partner closely with Sourcing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to drive quality throughout the entire lifecycle, from new product development through ongoing production. You'll be responsible for auditing and developing suppliers, managing advanced product quality planning (APQP) and supplier part approval processes (SPAP), and leading corrective actions and performance improvement initiatives. If you thrive on problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and elevating supplier performance, this is a high-impact opportunity where your expertise will directly influence product excellence and customer satisfaction.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE: You have 7+ years of experience in a Supplier Quality role within a manufacturing environment. A Bachelor's degree in Quality, Engineering, or a related field, along with certifications (ASQ CQE or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt), will give you a strong foundation to succeed. You bring strong APQP and SPAP/PPAP experience, are skilled in structured problem-solving methods (DMAIC, A3, PDCA, 8D), and are comfortable leading supplier audits, corrective actions, and performance improvement initiatives. Experience with ISO/TS/IATF Quality Management Systems, Lean methodologies, interpreting prints, and using tools such as Minitab is preferred. Beyond technical expertise, you're proactive, collaborative, willing to learn, and skilled at balancing supplier development with ongoing performance monitoring. You will also be able to travel domestically or internationally up to 20% of the time. Lastly, if you have worked with hard coating suppliers, that's a huge plus!

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

You will EXPLORE by:

• Developing and maintaining a Supplier Risk Matrix to prioritize development and mitigation actions.
• Analyzing supplier scorecards and leading performance improvement actions with underperforming suppliers.
• Planning and conducting supplier QMS audits, and driving corrective actions to close gaps to J.W.S. and industry standards.
• Monitoring supplied material quality trends and leading actions to improve performance.
• Creating and executing Supplier Development Plans to improve supplier capability, process control, and long-term performance in alignment with J.W.S. QMS requirements.
• Managing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities with suppliers from early NPD phases through Supplier Part Approval Process (SPAP). Be the Quality liaison between Manufacturing, Engineering, and the Supplier.
• Determining inspection criteria and frequency for supplied material after NPD launch to ensure sustainability of supply.

You will INNOVATE by:

• Communicating discovery of nonconforming material to Suppliers and ensuring appropriate actions are taken to contain, mitigate, correct, and prevent defective supplied material through scientific problem-solving methods (DMAIC, A3, PDCA, etc.).
• Initiating formal Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR), when appropriate, to ensure permanent resolution of component quality problems. Then following up with suppliers to ensure effective closure.
• Initiating formal Supplier Improvement Plan (SIP), when appropriate, when quality targets are consistently not met by critical Suppliers.
• Serving as a New Product Development (NPD) team member, jointly responsible with Sourcing and Engineering for initial assessment and auditing of potential critical product or component Suppliers.
• Identifying and communicating Supplied Material concerns within the NPD process.
• Ensuring Suppliers resolve quality problems during product development by determining root cause and implementing corrective actions.

You will PERFORM by:

• Ensuring appropriate actions are taken by Suppliers when affected by J.W.S. ECN process.
• Coordinating, reviewing, and approving SPAP for revised Supplier products or components.
• Ensuring flow-down of requirements to suppliers.
• Providing feedback to NPD about current status of supplied material.
• Reviewing, analyzing, and approving SPAP parts and documentation (Supplier PPAP Workbook) in Supplier Portal.

We offer competitive wages and the following great benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short term & Long-term disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Paid time off, including Vacation, Sick & Personal Time, and 11 paid Holidays
• Generous Profit-Sharing Plan
• Tuition reimbursement & Scholarships
• Development and Growth opportunities
• Casual work environment for all associates
• State-of-the-Art, temperature-controlled environment
• And many more!