Senior Supplier Engineer

Job Description

Contribute your supplier development and engineering skills to a dynamic development and manufacturing team that creates sensing platforms for minimally invasive robotic surgery. The Senior Supplier Engineer position is being added due to growth at Intuitive’s Blacksburg office. This role is responsible for ensuring suppliers consistently meet quality, cost, delivery, and service requirements to support both new product introductions and sustaining production. The position drives supplier development and process improvements to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure continuity of supply. It collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including product design, manufacturing, and supply chain to select and manage suppliers, provide design for manufacturability input, and execute strategic projects that optimize supplier performance. This position will be engaged with suppliers early and often, fostering strong supplier relationships, to enhance our Corporate vision/mission.

Essential Job Duties 

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies and risk mitigation plans to ensure continuity and scalability of supply.
• Lead and execute supplier qualification activities including Supplier pFMEA, process validations, inspection reports, Gage R&R, and process capability analysis.
• Select appropriate manufacturing processes and suppliers considering long-term fit, quality, capacity, and total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to provide DFM feedback and ensure manufacturability and compliance with quality requirements.
• Drive supplier continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, capacity improvements, and risk mitigation using structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions).
• Manage supplier changes including manufacturing process changes, equipment qualification, facility changes, and production optimization.
• Own and drive closure of supplier variances and CAPAs with thorough root cause analysis and documentation.
• Monitor and communicate supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery and quality indicators, to internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Participate in supplier audits, assessments, and development to ensure compliance with quality management systems and regulatory standards.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, effectively prioritize tasks, and provide clear communication on project status to stakeholders.
• Support sustaining production by providing timely production support and addressing line issues related to supplier components.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver presentations and influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to motivate suppliers and lead cross-functional teams to resolve complex technical and process issues.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to translate data into meaningful strategic messaging.
• Demonstrable knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing processes including machining, metal fabrication, plastics molding, electronics, and contract manufacturing, with understanding of key input variables for quality, cost, and capacity.
• Proficient in project management, problem-solving, and structured root cause analysis techniques.
• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate detailed mechanical drawings including GD&T.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and ERP systems (preferably SAP).

Required Education and Training (As applicable - Specific education and training that an individual must possess to successfully perform in job)

• Minimum 8 years of experience in relevant field and a bachelor's degree in engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Working Conditions

• ~10% Travel to both domestic and international suppliers and Intuitive facilities