Supplier Development Engineer

Job Summary:

The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) is responsible for ensuring the capability quality and performance of suppliers that provide materials components and services critical to Bowmars electromechanical assembly operations. This role focuses on developing and qualifying new suppliers improving existing supplier performance and ensuring compliance with aerospace and defense quality standards (AS9100 ISO 9001 etc.).

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in manufacturing and quality engineering with experience in supplier management within the aerospace or defense industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supplier Qualification & Onboarding
  • Evaluate and qualify new suppliers through audits capability assessments and risk analysis.
  • Work cross-functionally with engineering supply chain and quality teams to establish supplier approval criteria.
• Supplier Performance & Development
  • Monitor supplier performance using KPIs (quality delivery cost responsiveness).
  • Lead supplier improvement initiatives to address root causes of nonconformance or delivery issues.
  • Conduct on-site visits to drive process improvements and ensure alignment with company standards.
• Technical Support & Collaboration
  • Partner with suppliers to develop manufacturing processes and ensure technical compliance to drawings specifications and industry standards.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) by engaging suppliers early in the design phase for manufacturability and cost optimization.
• Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure suppliers adhere to AS9100/ISO 9001 ITAR and customer-specific quality requirements.
  • Review and approve supplier PPAPs FAI reports process validations and corrective actions.
  • Participate in MRB and support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Promote and lead lean manufacturing principles within Bowmar and the supply base.
  • Identify opportunities to improve Safety Quality Delivery and Cost through process optimization and supply chain improvements.

The above list reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal function of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in this job.

Core Competencies:These competencies are identified by Bowmar leadership and should be demonstrated by all employees across the enterprise. Bowmar Core competencies are listed below:

Position Specific Competencies: Competencies that are identified by Bowmar leadership and are unique to the position and necessary for the individual to successfully accomplish the positions functions.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Electrical Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field).
• 5 years of experience in supplier development quality engineering or manufacturing engineering in the aerospace/defense industry.
• Experience with electromechanical assembliesprecision machining or electronics manufacturing preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of GD&T engineering drawings and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of quality systems (AS9100 ISO 9001) and industry standards (MIL IPC etc.).
• Experience with PPAP FAI PFMEA SPC and root cause analysis tools.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and supplier performance tracking tools.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and supplier negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small-company environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically to supplier sites (1020%).

Additional Information:

This position is eligible for bonus 401(k) matching vacation 14 paid holidays and health and wellness benefits. Salary is based on job-related non-discriminatory factors such as experience education training skills and abilities.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Bowmar follows a Drug Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.Any individual who is offered employment with Bowmar will be required to submit to a drug screen prior to beginning employment. Employees working in safety-sensitive positions will be subject to random testing.