Herrera - Supplier Development Engineer 3

Job Title: Supplier Development Engineer III Job Description
This role provides technical expertise and leadership to the global supply base to implement robust quality plans, strict process controls, and continuous improvement across suppliers. The Supplier Development Engineer evaluates, develops, and supports new and existing suppliers to maximize Quality, Cost, Logistics, Delivery, and Management (QCLDM) performance and to ensure suppliers consistently meet corporate certification requirements and customer expectations for quality, cost, and delivery. The position serves as a trusted advisor to suppliers, leading them from design concept through end of product life and driving best-in-class supplier quality and process capability.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted advisor to assigned suppliers and lead them in executing robust quality plans and process controls across their operations.
- Assess potential and existing suppliers through on-site QCLDM (Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management) audits and document results from reference calls and other information sources.
- Participate in the evaluation, selection, and certification of suppliers and products, and assist with the steps and procedures required for supplier certification.
- Drive implementation of Lean, Built-In Quality (BIQ), and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) within the supply base to improve quality and efficiency.
- Continuously review supplier capacity and assure production readiness by rigorously reviewing supplier PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions.
- Collaborate with suppliers to establish and maintain effective process control standards and continuously monitor key manufacturing processes for improvement opportunities.
- Ensure suppliers have adequate people, training, tooling, fixtures, and equipment to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
- Provide technical support during supplier start-up activities and deliver ongoing strategic support to strengthen supplier capabilities.
- Monitor suppliers adherence to Process Change Notification (PCN) requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner and support the development of the supply base to meet total program requirements.
- Act as a QCLDM champion for suppliers and provide technical leadership to align supplier capabilities with qualified supply network strategies.
- Support category strategies, supplier development initiatives, and supplier performance management by providing technical leadership in new supplier selection.
- Evaluate and develop new suppliers technological capabilities to ensure they meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
- Manage supplier processes from design concept through end of product life, ensuring cradle-to-grave process control and quality performance.
- Ensure APQP activities related to process control are properly performed by suppliers and that project plans and activities meet expectations.
- Review APQP documentation, including Process FMEAs, Process Control Plans, and measurement system studies (e.g., repeatability and reproducibility), and participate in process FMEAs for supplier manufacturing processes.
- Audit supplier process control implementation and effectiveness, validate process capability, and ensure PPAP completion and approval before new parts are delivered.
- Review, approve, and validate 8D permanent corrective action plans to address supplier quality issues.
- Perform quality management system audits and Supplier Evaluation Surveys (SES), including assessments of potential new suppliers.
- Support SPQ projects and contribute to the development of supplier quality metrics and Supplier Performance Management (SPM) reviews.
- Support MQ11005 certification activities and collaborate with suppliers on 6 Sigma initiatives to reduce waste and improve process capability and efficiency.
- Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of technological developments and trends to guide commodity teams in improving design, quality, and manufacturing.
- Ensure PPAP is completed and approved before new parts are delivered and provide leadership in APQP activities.
- Provide resolution for quality problems associated with purchased materials, logistics, and engineering issues, and ensure implementation of robust corrective actions.
- Maintain high ethical and professional standards while working with a diverse global supply base and internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate with buyers and category teams to improve supplier cost, quality, and throughput.
- Manage completion of individual work assignments and coordinate work with other team members and functions.
- Participate in the development of supplier metrics and support the monthly collection, analysis, and distribution of performance measurements.
- Resolve issues between suppliers and plants, suppliers and engineering personnel, and among facilities to ensure alignment and continuity of supply.
- Coordinate with engineering on Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) activities.
- Support proving designs into production, managing engineering changes and deviations, reviewing supplier designs, approving specifications, and helping meet cost reduction goals.
- Participate in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) activities for supplier manufacturing processes.
- Use statistical and problem-solving tools to analyze supplier performance data and drive data-based decisions.
- Document and pursue results of supplier evaluations using predefined criteria and standardized tools.
Essential Skills
- 57 years of experience in supplier management, supplier quality, or a closely related engineering or manufacturing role.
- Bachelors degree or equivalent experience, preferably in engineering.
- Engineering or manufacturing background with familiarity in manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies.
- Knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures.
- Demonstrated experience in supplier management and supplier quality.
- Strong problem-solving skills with proven experience in root cause analysis and implementation of permanent corrective actions (e.g., 8D).
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple suppliers, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
- Working knowledge and hands-on experience with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning).
- Experience with PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), including review and approval of documentation and validation of process capability.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering prints and technical drawings.
- Experience using EtQ or similar systems for PPAP, nonconformance management (NCM), process change management (PCM), and deviations.
- Ability to prepare and analyze Excel-based reports to support supplier performance and quality metrics.
- Familiarity with Power BI or similar tools for visualizing data and performance metrics.
- Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC) and use of statistical tools for monitoring and improving processes.
- Solid ability to use and demonstrate statistical and problem-solving tools in a manufacturing or supplier quality environment.
- Good human relations and communication skills, with the ability to build cooperative working relationships with internal teams and suppliers.
- Demonstrated potential for leadership in cross-functional and supplier-facing environments.
- Knowledge of the tools and techniques of 6 Sigma methodology, typically obtained through Green Belt training or equivalent experience.
- Experience conducting supplier audits, including QMS audits, QCLDM audits, and Supplier Evaluation Surveys.
- Experience reviewing and participating in Process FMEAs and developing or auditing Process Control Plans.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Quality Engineering certification is highly desirable.
- American Society for Quality (ASQ) quality certification is desired.
- Prior completion of 6 Sigma Green Belt training or equivalent 6 Sigma experience is highly valued.
- Experience supporting MQ11005 certification activities is an advantage.
- Exposure to Lean manufacturing and Built-In Quality (BIQ) practices at suppliers.
- Experience supporting or leading SPQ projects and Supplier Performance Management (SPM) reviews.
- background working with CPPD (Concurrent Product and Process Development), NPI (New Product Introduction), and CPI (Continuous Process Improvement) teams.
- Experience collaborating with buyers, category teams, and engineering on cost reduction, design-to-manufacture, and supplier optimization initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain high ethical and professional standards in global supplier interactions.
- Experience working within a diverse, global supply network and cross-functional teams.
Work Environment
This role operates in a dynamic, global supply chain and manufacturing environment, working closely with suppliers facilities and internal engineering, quality, and procurement teams. The position involves frequent interaction with supplier manufacturing operations, including production floors, process lines, and quality laboratories, where process controls, tooling, fixtures, and equipment are reviewed and audited. The work requires regular travel to supplier sites for on-site QCLDM audits, process capability assessments, PPAP validations, and quality management system audits. You will use digital quality and data tools such as EtQ (for PPAP, nonconformance management, process changes, and deviations), Excel for analytical reporting, Power BI for dashboards and performance visualization, and various statistical process control (SPC) tools. The environment is highly collaborative and project-focused, involving participation in CPPD, NPI, CPI, APQP, FMEA, and 6 Sigma initiatives. Work typically follows standard business hours, with flexibility required to support global suppliers and resolve time-sensitive issues. Dress expectations may vary from office-appropriate attire in corporate settings to suitable, safety-compliant clothing and personal protective equipment when visiting manufacturing and shop-floor environments.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $53.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 8, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chillicothe,IL.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.