Supplier Development Engineer in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Bowmar LLC

Job Summary:

The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) is responsible for ensuring the capability, quality, and performance of suppliers that provide materials, components, and services critical to Bowmar’s electromechanical assembly operations. This role focuses on developing and qualifying new suppliers, improving existing supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with aerospace and defense quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, etc.).

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in manufacturing and quality engineering, with experience in supplier management within the aerospace or defense industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Qualification & OnboardingEvaluate and qualify new suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and risk analysis.Work cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to establish supplier approval criteria.

Supplier Performance & DevelopmentMonitor supplier performance using KPIs (quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness).Lead supplier improvement initiatives to address root causes of nonconformance or delivery issues.Conduct on-site visits to drive process improvements and ensure alignment with company standards.Technical Support & CollaborationPartner with suppliers to develop manufacturing processes and ensure technical compliance to drawings, specifications, and industry standards.Support new product introduction (NPI) by engaging suppliers early in the design phase for manufacturability and cost optimization.Quality & ComplianceEnsure suppliers adhere to AS9100/ISO 9001, ITAR, and customer-specific quality requirements.Review and approve supplier PPAPs, FAI reports, process validations, and corrective actions.Participate in MRB and support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities.Continuous ImprovementPromote and lead lean manufacturing principles within Bowmar and the supply base.Identify opportunities to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost through process optimization and supply chain improvements.

The above list reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal function of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in this job.

Core Competencies: These competencies are identified by Bowmar leadership and should be demonstrated by all employees across the enterprise. Bowmar Core competencies are listed below:

Integrity

Accountability

Proactivity

Honesty

Position Specific Competencies: Competencies that are identified by Bowmar leadership and are unique to the position and necessary for the individual to successfully accomplish the position’s functions.

Strategic Thinking

Customer Orientation

Engineering Prowess

Innovative

Commitment to Lean

Teamwork

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field).5+ years of experience in supplier development, quality engineering, or manufacturing engineering in the aerospace/defense industry.Experience with electromechanical assemblies, precision machining, or electronics manufacturing preferred.

Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processes.Working knowledge of quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001) and industry standards (MIL, IPC, etc.).Experience with PPAP, FAI, PFMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis tools.Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and supplier performance tracking tools.

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Excellent communication and supplier negotiation skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small-company environment.Willingness to travel domestically to supplier sites (10–20%).

Additional Information:

This position is eligible for bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, 14 paid holidays, and health and wellness benefits. Salary is based on job-related, non-discriminatory, factors such as experience, education, training skills and abilities.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Bowmar follows a Drug Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy. Any individual who is offered employment with Bowmar will be required to submit to a drug screen prior to beginning employment. Employees working in safety-sensitive positions will be subject to random testing.