Supplier Development Engineer Principal

About the role

Join a team that proactively reviews supplier capabilities, assesses operational gaps to identify risks, and takes systematic actions to develop a world-class supplier network. This global role is responsible for all supplier development, quality improvement, and sustainment. You will drive Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations, work directly with sourcing, business, engineering, and customers on strategies to improve product quality and delivery, and lead continuous improvement projects. The position requires broad technical experience across multiple programs and products (electrical and mechanical), daily supplier engagement, and close collaboration with sourcing commodity leadership, Quality, and New Product Development (NPD).

The successful candidate will communicate effectively with senior management, maintain a strategic mindset, handle multiple priorities, influence stakeholders, and solve complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement projects and events to streamline supplier performance.
• Develop positive relationships and work closely with Global Sourcing leaders to manage, implement, and track supplier/engineering design changes, capacity studies, New Product Introductions (NPI), and transitions.
• Research external market information and entrepreneurial companies to identify potential sources and suppliers.
• Drive supplier selection through robust qualification processes.
• Assess new and existing supplier capabilities to meet product, cost, quality, capacity, and fulfillment requirements.
• Drive improvements utilizing Lean methodologies, supplier scorecards, and supplier assessments.
• Track supplier performance indicators using scorecards and rankings to develop the supply base’s ability to consistently meet or exceed defined expectations.
• Support the manufacturing of complex parts and sub-assemblies by providing technical expertise and support for suppliers.
• Review manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Create and participate in PFMEA activities, Work Instruction Improvements, and Control Plan effectiveness with suppliers.
• Drive improvements using Six Sigma methodologies, supplier scorecards, and supplier assessments.
• Ensure supplier compliance while driving systematic problem-solving and process improvement plans to deliver performance.
• Execute the Supplier Development Engineering Playbook and create strategic improvement plans at each supplier.
• Drive cross-functional engagement to remove roadblocks and improve supplier performance.
• Eliminate risks that prevent suppliers from meeting performance targets and escalate as needed.

Requirements

You must have:

• At least 8 years of combined experience in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Management, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in performing production readiness and rate readiness reviews/assessments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with project management and Kaizen facilitation.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of leadership.
• Proven problem-solving skills, including interpreting business performance and financial data, defining actions, and implementing solutions.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Must be a US Citizen due to contractual requirements.

We value:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Sourcing, Manufacturing, or Business Management.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Expert Certification.
• Ability to read technical drawings and documentation (Electronics).
• Effective collaboration skills to motivate and influence others at various levels without a direct reporting relationship.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma/quality tools and APQP (PFMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA, etc.).
• Experience working with global suppliers/customers.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position in Minnesota is $147,000–$183,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

Benefits

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Employee assistance program and educational assistance.
• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays.
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, and sick time.

About Us

Join a company that’s reintroducing itself to the aviation community after more than a century of advancing aerospace innovation. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we’re launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution. Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world’s aircraft, your work here will have a rare global reach.

We operate through three business areas:

• Electronic Solutions develops avionics, navigation systems, sensors, and electromagnetic defense technology.
• Engines & Power Systems provides propulsion, auxiliary power, and electrical systems.
• Control Systems supplies thermal and motion control systems for takeoff, landing, and safety.

With approximately 58,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, we are advancing systems for autonomous and supersonic platforms—bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight.