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

Global Category Manager – Procurement | Medical Devices | Guaynabo, PR | Onsite

🌍 Global Category Manager – Procurement

📍 Location: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico (Metro Office Park, on-site 4 days/week)
🏭 Industry: Medical Devices / Manufacturing
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required)
💼 Experience Level: Mid–Senior (10–15 years)
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation: Not available
💰 Compensation: Competitive base salary + full benefits
🕓 Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent

🌟 The Opportunity

A global leader in medical technology is seeking an experienced Global Category Manager – Procurement to lead strategic sourcing and category management across a diverse global network of 87 manufacturing sites.

Reporting directly to the Director of Strategic Sourcing, this role will define and execute a global category strategy encompassing procurement, sourcing, vendor management, and cost optimization initiatives. You’ll partner with cross-functional and multicultural teams, driving measurable results in cost efficiency, supplier performance, and risk mitigation.

This is a high-visibility position offering the opportunity to influence sourcing strategy at a global scale while supporting the mission of advancing healthcare innovation worldwide.

🧭 Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead global category sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives and growth plans.

• Collaborate with global procurement leaders under a hub-and-spoke model to set category direction and drive consistency across regions.

• Monitor key spending trends, market drivers, and supply chain risks to proactively adjust strategies.

• Lead strategic sourcing efforts to minimize cost, ensure supply continuity, and enhance product quality.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Identify, qualify, and manage a global supplier base, ensuring performance against KPIs for cost, quality, delivery, and service.

• Lead complex negotiations and develop contracts for standard and specialized goods/services in collaboration with legal teams.

• Conduct supplier evaluations, site audits, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen vendor performance.

• Drive supplier business reviews to promote continuous improvement and partnership excellence.

Operational Excellence

• Apply Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement principles to streamline procurement processes.

• Partner with business units and R&D leaders to integrate category strategies and optimize total cost of ownership.

• Leverage technology and analytics to forecast demand, evaluate cost drivers, and support long-term sourcing decisions.

• Ensure strict adherence to corporate ethics, compliance, and fiduciary standards across procurement operations.

🎓 Education & Experience

Required

✅ Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
✅ 6–8+ years of relevant experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.
✅ Strong background in strategic sourcing, negotiations, and market intelligence.
✅ Proficiency with Ariba, ERP systems, and advanced Excel or analytical tools.
✅ Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
✅ Bilingual (English & Spanish).

Preferred

⭐ Experience managing procurement in plastic components, medical device, or pharmaceutical industries.
⭐ Proven ability to develop category strategies using structured 5-step or 7-step strategic sourcing frameworks.
⭐ Background in multi-site, global operations management (supporting 50+ facilities).
⭐ Demonstrated success in forecasting, cost modeling, and supplier relationship management.

💡 Core Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinker with a data-driven approach.

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

• Proven ability to operate in global, multicultural environments.

• Excellent project management, forecasting, and reporting skills.

• Resilient, adaptable, and results-focused leader.

🧩 Why This Role?

This position offers the opportunity to lead at the intersection of strategic sourcing and innovation, with real impact on a company that touches millions of lives through advanced medical technologies.

You’ll join a team that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while offering support for professional growth and global exposure.

✨ Ideal Candidate Snapshot

• Experience: 10–15 years in category management or strategic sourcing

• Industry Background: Medical Devices, Plastics, or Pharmaceuticals

• Languages: English & Spanish (bilingual proficiency)

• Tools: Ariba | ERP Systems | Advanced Excel

• Leadership: Experience managing suppliers and stakeholders across multiple countries

• Travel: Occasional

🌐 Ready to lead global procurement strategy for a mission-driven organization?
Apply your category management expertise and make a global impact by driving value, sustainability, and innovation across the supply chain.