Engineer II-Supplier Development (Supply Chain)

About the role

The Supplier Development Engineer is a newly created role, reporting to the Engineering Supervisor of Supply Chain Development and Risk Management. This position serves as a key player in providing oversight of the supply base from a performance perspective, ensuring delivery of parts/products on time with first-time quality, including assurance of appropriate capacity and capability.

As part of the maritime industrial base (MIB)’s goals of increasing domestic shipbuilding capacity, this role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, quality, program offices, and procurement at all levels of the business. The position is highly visible to Navy strategies and provides direct interface with government, third parties, and assessment teams.

Successful candidates will collect and analyze cross-functional data inputs from Supplier Management and Oversight (SMO) stakeholders to perform the annual Critical Supplier Assessment (CSA). The role involves identifying performance issues, performing root cause analysis, and developing corrective actions to improve supplier performance and throughput. This dynamic, fast-paced role includes mentorship opportunities and is located on-site in Groton, CT.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with SMO stakeholders (Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, etc.) and suppliers to perform annual CSA assessments.
• Analyze supply chain data, including delivery rates, capacity, bottlenecks, and supplier performance in collaboration with quality engineers.
• Identify root causes of deficiencies uncovered during assessments.
• Develop Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) to address identified issues.
• Manage execution and follow-through of POA&M actions.
• Support identification and recommendation of supplier investments, audits, or other oversight opportunities.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to excellence.
• Travel on-site to suppliers as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or a higher-level degree in a STEM-related field.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, and draw logical conclusions (critical thinking).
• Experience with Root Cause Analysis, Problem Identification & Resolution, and Risk Management.
• Proven ability to write clearly and logically for a diverse audience.
• Proven ability to develop consensus among multiple stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills.
• Willingness to travel based on business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supply Chain Management experience.
• Industrial, Systems, Manufacturing, or other Engineering Degree.
• Advanced Degree (Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, STEM fields).
• Coding, programming, or ability to map questions to scoring systems and assess metrics.
• Experience analyzing large datasets, including curating, managing, and configuration management.
• Experience conducting capability and/or capacity assessments.
• APICS, Six Sigma Black Belt, or ASQ certification.
• Functional or manufacturing knowledge of end-use components (e.g., pumps, electrical systems, valves, fittings, castings/forgings, large fabrications).

Skills

• Intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.
• Analytical skills for both data and stakeholder input (verbal data).
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills to interface with internal and external customers at all levels.
• Strong desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to make decisions independently.
• Self-motivated, well-organized, with a desire to learn, grow, and lead.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and priorities, apply innovative thinking, and resolve complex problems.
• Ability to identify risks and opportunities.
• Maintain professionalism under stressful situations.