Job Title: Sr. Supplier Technical Engineer
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
Category: Supply Chain / Materials Management
Employment Type: Full-time
Clearance Required: No
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Relocation Assistance: Not available
Interview Travel Reimbursed: No
Schedule: Standard full-time hours
Compensation:
Base Salary: $108,834 – $163,252
Bonus Eligible: No
Commission: No
Overtime Eligible: No
Benefits: Full benefits package available
Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) to support the Investment Castings Supply Chain team at our San Diego facility. The ideal candidate will be technically accountable for assigned purchased parts across the entire product lifecycle—from concept to production—and play a key role in supplier quality performance, engineering collaboration, and technical problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the technical owner of assigned purchased parts, overseeing quality from New Product Introduction (NPI) through product lifecycle.
Address and resolve complex supplier technical issues with innovative solutions.
Communicate detailed technical requirements to suppliers, review designs/drawings, and support configuration management.
Monitor supplier performance metrics and trends; work with sourcing teams to drive improvements using root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions.
Participate in supplier selection and qualification processes; act as technical SME for casting, brazing, and machining suppliers.
Coordinate with internal engineering teams on Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD) and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI).
Lead FMEA discussions, manage PPAP and FAPITP development in coordination with Design Engineering.
Disposition Reject Notices (RNs) and handle Request for Technical Authorization (RTAs) with cross-functional input.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 3–5+ years of relevant experience, OR
10+ years of manufacturing experience in lieu of a degree
Strong knowledge of engineering practices and process planning (e.g., drawings interpretation, tooling, NDT, functional testing)
Preferred Qualifications:
High level of ethics and professionalism
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using tools such as 6 Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and Corrective Actions
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for internal and supplier engagement
Familiarity with:
Lean Manufacturing principles
Six Sigma methodology (training provided if not yet certified)
DOE (Design of Experiments) and project management tools
Investment Castings, Sand Castings, and Machining Processes
Solar manufacturing techniques (e.g., turning, milling, shop operations)
Quality management systems and principles
Travel:
Occasional travel may be required to supplier sites
This role is a great fit for a technically adept engineer with a passion for supplier collaboration, process improvement, and driving product excellence in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.