Senior Engineer, Supplier Development - Exteriors

Senior Engineer, Supplier Development - Exteriors Rivian - 2.7 Plymouth, MI Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Supplier performance analysis Communication with suppliers Sourcing Defect resolution root cause analysis Supplier corrective action implementation Sheet metal fabrication Preventive action implementation Supply chain risk management Engineering Data analysis skills Injection (injection molding) Quality control preventive actions Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) Plastics blow molding Quality improvement leadership 3 years Analysis skills Vendor compliance management Bachelor's degree in engineering Automotive engineering Task prioritization Supply chain management Data-driven problem-solving Quality assurance within automotive industry Manufacturing PPAP Senior level Achieving project delivery timelines Process management Technical Proficiency Full Job Description The Rivian Supply Chain team is looking for highly motivated technical professionals to ensure the stability and performance of our global supply chain. As a Senior Engineer Supplier Development, you will serve as a key individual contributor responsible for the quality performance and continuous improvement of an assigned commodity or group of suppliers. You will work with moderate autonomy to ensure that supplier manufacturing capabilities meet design requirements and that quality expectations are strictly followed. In this role, you will drive results by proactively identifying challenges at the supplier level and proposing actionable solutions to remove risks before they impact production. You are expected to lead the

APQP/PPAP

process for your assigned area and maintain strong relationships with direct counterparts to resolve recurring issues. This role offers the opportunity to influence sourcing decisions through expert analysis and data-driven insights. This position is based on site in Plymouth, MI with a 30-40% domestic and international travel requirement and reports to Senior Manager of Supplier Development.

Supplier Management:

Own the quality performance for exterior components, focusing on maintaining "Low-to-No Risk" (CL3) status. Directly oversee action plans for CL2 suppliers to prevent regression into higher-risk categories.

Problem-Solving and Risk Mitigation:

Proactively identify challenges and propose specific solutions to remove risks before they impact production. Demonstrate proficiency in robust problem-solving tools (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, Is/Isn't) to resolve recurring issues.

Technical Skills:

Own and lead the

APQP/PPAP

process for assigned parts, ensuring suppliers meet all technical and documentation standards. Define clear expectations and monitor timelines with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery of quality milestones.

Organizational Influence & Outreach:

Act as the technical owner for the industrialization of assigned suppliers and manage the final quality sign-off process. Use data-driven insights to directly influence the work of peers.

Direction:

Operate with moderate autonomy to drive improvements and results within an assigned scope or commodity. Proactively identify challenges and use data-driven logic to propose solutions that remove risk.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant supplier development experience.

Domain Expertise:

Experience managing commodities and understanding the various factors of impact including economic and technology landscapes.

Commodity-Specific Experience:

Candidates with experience in Automotive Exterior components, A-Class Surface Parts with gloss and color requirements, and a strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as Injection & Blow Molding and Sheet Metal Forming are highly preferred.

Technical Skills:

Advanced knowledge of manufacturing techniques and supplier performance ownership.

Communication:

Strong distributor of information, capable of aligning larger working groups and defusing conflicts.

Execution:

Measured by the effective management of KPIs and the number of quality risks successfully mitigated.

Operational Style:

Responsible for identifying and managing personal priorities to ensure all area-specific milestones are met on time.

Travel Requirements:

Regular domestic and international travel is a core part of this role, expected to average between 30-40% annually.