Job Summary The Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) is responsible for providing on-site technical support, product compliance and increase throughput at our critical supplier. This position will be located on site at our supplier in Whitehall, Michigan. This critical role will review drawings, evaluate part compliance and work with Material Review Board (MRB) to provide real time dispositions. The STE will serve as the primary technical liaison between the supplier. Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Review yield issues and collaborate with the supplier to improve performance.
- Partner closely with Quality Engineering, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations.
- Evaluate manufacturing processes, tooling, and process controls to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
- Review drawings, models, and technical requirements with suppliers to resolve ambiguity and ensure manufacturability.
- Provide on-site technical support while representing interests at the supplier.
- Support Material Review Board (MRB) assessments and supplier-side dispositions.
- Validate effectiveness of corrective action activities.
- Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.
Required Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical field. (Mechanical Engineering preferred) Experience in manufacturing engineering, supplier quality, production engineering. Investment casting experience Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications Experience creating material documents to submit to the Material Review Board (MRB) team. Experience in documenting design requirement deviations Understanding of Inspection processes Basic fixtures and gages 3D Scan process familiarity CMM Report & understanding Digital comparator
ANSI Y14.5
Preferred Experience:
Internally cooled gas turbine cast airfoil design or manufacturing (casting or post cast) experience Non-conforming material evaluation & disposition experience Machining experience with basic understanding of required post casting operations to make a finished machined part. Ability to document Design requirement deviations PPAP qualification packages Continuous Improvement; Lean / six sigma black or green belt experiences Ability to collaborate cross functionally. Duties Lead supplier qualification activities, including APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) assessments to ensure supplier readiness. Develop and implement comprehensive vendor quality assurance programs aligned with industry standards such as
AS9100, ISO
9001, and
ISO 13485.
Conduct rigorous quality control statistical data analysis using tools like Minitab to identify trends, root causes of defects, and opportunities for process improvements. Perform root cause analysis on quality issues related to suppliers or manufacturing processes, implementing corrective and preventive actions effectively. Manage supplier audits, assessments, and ongoing performance evaluations to ensure compliance with quality management systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including process engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing—to optimize production workflows and reduce defects through Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies. Utilize engineering data analysis tools such as AS400 systems to monitor quality metrics, track non-conformances, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee supplier management practices ensuring adherence to quality standards in production environments while maintaining regulatory compliance. Lead defect resolution efforts by analyzing manufacturing data, implementing process modifications, and verifying effectiveness through statistical validation. Support sourcing activities by evaluating potential suppliers' capabilities concerning quality systems and manufacturing practices. Experience Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial engineering role with a focus on supplier quality assurance within regulated environments such as aerospace, medical devices, or automotive industries. Extensive knowledge of industry standards including
AS9100, ISO 13485, IATF 16949
2016, FDA regulations, CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), and related legal compliance standards. Demonstrated expertise in quality control statistical data analysis using Minitab or similar tools. Strong background in process engineering methodologies such as Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred). Practical experience managing supplier relationships through vendor quality assurance practices. Familiarity with engineering data analysis techniques for defect resolution root cause analysis. Ability to lead cross-functional projects involving process improvements in manufacturing settings. Mechanical knowledge combined with expertise in supply chain management enhances ability to address complex quality challenges effectively. This role is integral to maintaining the integrity of our manufacturing processes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We seek a proactive professional committed to excellence in quality engineering practices who will thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to innovation and operational excellence.
Pay:
$140,000.00
00 per year
Work Location:
In person