Supplier Development Engineer

About the Role

The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) ensures the capability, quality, and performance of suppliers providing materials, components, and services critical to Bowmar’s 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.).

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 and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements.

Core Competencies

• Bowmar Core Competencies
  • Integrity
  • Accountability
  • Proactivity
  • Honesty
• Position-Specific Competencies
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Customer Orientation
  • Engineering Prowess
  • Innovative
  • Commitment to Lean
  • Teamwork

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s 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 assemblies, precision 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 (10–20%).

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility
• 401(k) matching
• Vacation
• 14 paid holidays
• 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. Bowmar is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.