Supplier Development Engineering Manager

About the role

We are looking for a Supplier Development Engineering Manager to join our team. Base is an incredibly data-driven organization which extends directly into our supply chain. We want to know the efficiencies and deficiencies of our suppliers just as well, if not better, than our own factories. This role focuses on ensuring that suppliers' manufacturing processes are optimized for the production of high-quality, cost-effective products. You will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to drive product and process improvements, manage supply chain issues, and ensure successful integration of new products into mass production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Supplier Development Engineers, balancing direct technical contribution with coaching, prioritization, and team growth.
• Ramp supplier lines from early prototyping through full-scale production, ensuring readiness across equipment, staffing, and processes.
• Size-up suppliers to see if they are a cultural fit to work with Base on a long-term basis.
• Work directly with suppliers to assess, design, and optimize manufacturing processes to meet production requirements. Ensure suppliers are capable of scaling production without compromising quality.
• Support the supplier qualification process, including auditing manufacturing facilities, production processes, and quality standards.
• Support design for manufacturability reviews in the product design phase as a representative of "the supplier."
• Map out the manufacturing process of our suppliers to understand capacity bottlenecks to be ahead of future growth needs.
• Evaluate the "should cost" of supplier manufacturing strategies to inform the investment value of Base in our suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in supplier industrialization, supplier quality, or manufacturing engineering, preferably in the consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial sectors.
• 2+ years of experience managing or leading engineering teams, with a track record of developing technical talent.
• Knowledge in multiple manufacturing processes, including injection molding, CNC machining, PCB/PCBA, stamping, and assembly techniques.
• Experience in manufacturing line design and capital costs, to evaluate supplier investment strategies.
• The ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines - both personally and across your team.
• The ability to effectively work with cross-functional teams and suppliers to drive improvements and resolve issues.
• Willingness to travel frequently - the most effective supplier relationships are built face-to-face.

Qualifications

• Strong opinions, loosely held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.
• Committed to the mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we’re creating.
• First principles thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.
• Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.
• Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.
• Everyone’s an owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.
• Fun & Optimism coexist with grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.