Job Summary The Senior Supplier Engineer works within the Manufacturing Engineering team, in collaboration with the Supply Chain team, to manage suppliers in alignment with the strategic sourcing direction. As the technical liaison between suppliers and Forj Medical stakeholders, this role is responsible for driving quality, service, and cost improvement throughout the extended value stream. The incumbent works with minimal supervision in a cross-functional team environment to support Forj Medical operations, quality, and development objectives by providing subject matter expertise in supplier management processes.
Key Responsibilities Supplier Development & Performance Roadmaps- Performance optimization: Perform targeted supplier development activities to ensure and sustain high supplier performance.
- Cost & improvement roadmaps: Partner with suppliers to develop and execute cost reduction and operational improvement roadmaps.
Risk Management & Supply Chain Strategy- Risk mitigation: Proactively identify supply chain risks and implement measures to mitigate potential impacts on product delivery.
- Change management: Coordinate closely with the internal program team to execute and manage supplier change requests.
- Strategic input: Provide critical engineering input into formal supplier approvals, supplier audits, and project control plans.
- Commodity strategy: Collaborate with Sourcing leadership to co-develop and execute long-term commodity strategies.
New Product Introduction & Component Qualification- Supplier selection: Lead a cross-functional team for the identification and selection of new suppliers for upcoming engineering and production projects.
- Capability assessment: Identify and evaluate technical gaps between new product specifications and supplier manufacturing capabilities.
- Design for manufacturability: Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles directly into Forj Medical specifications to ensure that suppliers can successfully meet expectations.
- Inspection & validation: Plan, review, and approve supplier first article inspections and process validations.
Supplier Quality & Receiving Inspection- Nonconformance resolution: Lead root-cause investigations and resolve supplier-caused Nonconforming Material Reports (NMRs).
- CAPA & SCAR ownership: Serve as the primary business owner for all non-audit-related corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and supplier corrective action requests (SCARs).
- Inspection documentation: Author, update, and maintain receiving inspection work instructions.
- Receiving process optimization: Drive continuous process improvements within the Receiving Inspection department.
Qualifications Required:- Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial engineering
- 5+ years engineering experience in supplier management within manufacturing, quality, and/or supply chain
- Experience in manufacturing and production processes and application of engineering principles
- Ability to conduct statistical analysis of raw data
- Skilled problem solver with proficiency in problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, DOE)
- Proven ability as a self-starter who runs toward critical issues, ambiguous requirements, and loosely defined challenges
- Track record of strong cross-functional collaboration and the exercise of influence without authority
- Track record of applying project management skills to enable highly effective project teams and demonstrated ability to rally teams to achieve business results
Preferred:- Experience in medical device manufacturing
- Proficiency in Minitab
Working Conditions- Travel up to 15%
- Office environment
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
Location- On-site in office and manufacturing setting in St. Paul, MN
Compensation and Total Rewards PackageThe salary range for this position is outlined below under "Job Details" and is dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable employment laws. Beyond base salary, Forj offers a competitive Total Rewards Package. We offer health, dental, vision, 401K plans, and time off programs. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual bonus program which depends on various factors, including, individual and organizational performance.
