Sr Supplier Engineer, NPI
Sunnyvale, CA - USA
Job Summary
Primary Function of the Position:
Responsible for ensuring suppliers meet ISI requirements for quality service delivery and cost while driving continuous improvement in manufacturing and business processes. Evaluate and select suppliers guide Engineering in sourcing decisions and provide DFM input to support NPI. Lead supplier engagements across quality cost capacity and risk including hands-on debugging of complex assemblies to true root cause within supplier processes. Ensure alignment with applicable regulatory and electronic compliance requirements throughout design and manufacturing.
Essential Job Duties:
- Debug complex supplier-related issues including PCBAs by tracing failures from system-level symptoms to component process or test root cause within supplier manufacturing; drive resolution through corrective actions and process improvements
- Apply regulatory and electronic compliance requirements (e.g. safety EMC environmental) across supplier selection design and manufacturing processes
- Complete part and process qualification deliverables including Supplier pFMEA IQ/OQ/PQ inspection reports Gage R&R and process capability analysis
- Drive cost reduction capacity improvement and risk mitigation initiatives with suppliers
- Select appropriate manufacturing processes and suppliers based on long-term fit and total cost of ownership
- Manage supplier changes including process changes production optimization facility transfers new equipment qualification and line validations
- Initiate and manage engineering changes (ECOs) to update specifications and drawings as needed
- Own and drive supplier variances from issue identification through root cause corrective action and CAPA documentation
- Effectively prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects
- Communicate project status clearly to cross-functional stakeholders
- Build and drive supplier development strategies to improve performance and capability
- Ensure appropriate documentation to support decisions actions and traceability
- Develop and track key supplier and team metrics driving timely execution against targets
- Lead supplier performance improvement using Lean Six Sigma SPC and structured problem-solving methods across multiple suppliers
- Drive supplier investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurrence
- Provide data-driven insights on supply base health and risks to management
- Develop and deliver supplier communications including performance scorecards
- Partner with Design Engineering and suppliers to support NPI by:
- Assessing supplier landscapes and readiness for product launch
- Developing supplier ramp plans based on capacity quality and business risk
- Driving DFM through early supplier engagement to improve manufacturability
- Influencing supplier selection through structured evaluation and criteria development
- Review and disposition customer complaints manufacturing variances and first article inspections using risk-based judgment
- Evaluate effectiveness of supplier corrective actions and identify opportunities for systemic improvement
- Perform other duties as required
Qualifications :
Qualifications
Required Skill and Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing of electro-mechanical assemblies PCBAs cable harnesses or metal components
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present to executive leadership
- Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills
- Proven track record of implementing Lean Six Sigma and SPC initiatives at suppliers
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent analytical problem-solving skills with sound judgment
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate and challenge supplier technical quality and business capabilities
- Broad knowledge of manufacturing processes including key input variables impacting quality cost and capacity (e.g. metals plastics electronics contract manufacturing)
- Working knowledge of applicable regulations and standards including 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485
- Proficiency with standard business and engineering tools (e.g. Excel Project ERP systems such as SAP or Agile)
- Proven ability to influence and drive supplier performance
- Ability to read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings including GD&T and effectively communicate technical information
Required Education and Training
- BS in Engineering or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred
- Previous experience in engineering within consumer electronics medical devices or other electro-mechanical commercial products
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering fundamentals
Working Conditions
- Ability to travel to suppliers on an as-needed basis domestic and international.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Advanced degree
- Medical device industry experience
- Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment (medical device preferred)
- Supplier management or supplier engineering experience
- CAD experience with 3D modeling tools
- Exposure to PCB/PCA design and layout tools (e.g. Allegro or similar) with the ability to interpret layouts and support root cause analysis
- Experience with statistical analysis software ()
Additional Information :
Due to the nature of our business and the role please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity national origin color age religion protected veteran or disability status genetic information or any other status protected under federal state or local applicable laws.
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 743.13(b)) some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the governments licensing process can take 3 to 6 months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (TCP) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employeesstart date which may or may not be flexible and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside or plan to reside in Alabama Arkansas Delaware Florida Indiana Iowa Louisiana Maryland Mississippi Missouri Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidates experience knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidates qualifications consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages inclusive of base pay incentives benefits and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role as actual pay will be determined based on several factors including experience skills and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
About Company
At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints. As pioneer and leading company in the field of robotic-assi ... View more