Supplier Technical Engineer – Supplier Quality & Process Improvement (On-site, San Diego)

⚙️ Supplier Technical Engineer

📍 Location: San Diego, CA (On-site)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🏭 Industry: Energy
📦 Function: Supply Chain / Supplier Quality
🛂 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🎯 Level: Associate (2–5 years’ experience)

🌟 About the Role

We are seeking a Supplier Technical Engineer to support supplier quality, process reliability, and continuous improvement across a global supply chain. This role plays a critical part in ensuring supplier performance meets high technical and quality standards while partnering closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to resolve issues and drive long-term improvements.

If you enjoy working at the intersection of engineering, quality, and supplier collaboration, this is a strong opportunity to build impact early in your career.

🔧 Key Responsibilities

• Support resolution of supplier-related quality issues and process gaps

• Provide conclusions and recommendations for quality improvements

• Partner with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives

• Implement and monitor supplier process controls, evaluations, audits, and corrective actions

• Support supplier qualification for new products and components

• Identify root causes of quality problems and develop short- and long-term action plans

• Maintain documentation related to inspections, evaluations, and quality records

🧠 Core Competencies You’ll Use Daily

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Apply quality management tools and techniques

• Use inspections, walkthroughs, and evaluation tools

• Track quality indicators and support improvement efforts

Problem Solving

• Identify and document issues and solution options

• Use data and diagnostics to assess root cause

• Balance risk, cost, and impact when recommending solutions

Collaboration & Communication

• Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain

• Communicate clearly with suppliers and internal teams

• Contribute to collaborative problem-solving sessions

Attention to Detail

• Ensure accuracy in documentation and reporting

• Use checklists and verification methods to avoid errors

• Learn from past issues to improve future outcomes

Time & Priority Management

• Manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously

• Respond to operational needs while progressing project work

🎓 Background & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field

• 2–5 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or technical supply chain roles

Preferred

• Experience in Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE)

• Familiarity with investment casting and airfoil components (e.g., blades, nozzles)

• Exposure to manufacturing environments or technical suppliers

💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $89,210 – $133,810

• Benefits: Full benefits package

• Bonus: Not eligible

• Relocation: Not available

• Travel: None required

Sr. Supplier Technical Engineer – Manufacturing | San Diego, CA | $108K–$163K

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.