SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERWe are seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to build the supply chain that makes this possible: finding, qualifying, and developing suppliers who can produce hardware at sub-micron tolerances and high-volume scale. You will work at the boundary between our engineering teams and our supply base, turning demanding internal specifications into capable, repeatable external manufacturing processes.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, processes, and equipment capable of manufacturing precision photonic and electro-mechanical hardware at scale
- Develop and manage a supplier ecosystem for precision optics, photonic components, coatings, ultrafast interconnects, and micro-mechanical assemblies
- Lead supplier qualification activities, including process capability assessment, first-article inspection, and production readiness reviews for components with sub-micron tolerances and demanding environmental requirements
- Define and implement incoming quality requirements, in-line inspection methods, and supplier process controls; develop supplier guidelines, specifications, and reference documentation
- Lead supplier-side root-cause analysis and corrective action for quality, yield, and reliability issues, driving improvements that directly impact product performance
- Co-develop new manufacturing processes with suppliers for challenging components and assemblies, translating internal design intent into producible supplier workflows
- Partner with mechanical, optical, process, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure supplier capabilities align with product requirements and production ramp timelines
- Track and report supplier performance metrics (quality, delivery, yield, responsiveness) and drive accountability against targets
- Support supplier capacity planning and production ramp execution for new product introductions
QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, physics, or a related discipline
- Strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, or semiconductor/photonic fabrication
- Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers in a technical capacity, or demonstrated strong aptitude and motivation to develop supplier management skills
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with comfort working across organizational boundaries
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Willingness to travel to supplier sites as needed
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:- Process engineering or mechanical engineering experience in a production or manufacturing environment
- Experience in high-volume production environments, including supplier qualification and production ramp
- GD&T proficiency, including experience defining tolerances and inspection requirements for precision components
- Experience with supplier quality tools and methodologies (e.g., PPAP, FMEA, 8D, SPC, process capability studies)
- Background in optics, photonics, semiconductor, or precision manufacturing supply chains
- Experience with incoming inspection methods, metrology equipment, or quality management systems
- Familiarity with sourcing and procurement processes, including RFQ development and supplier negotiation
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay range:
Supplier Development Engineer: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.
In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:
- Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
- Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
- 401(k) retirement plan access.
- Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.
