Principal Engineer - Supplier Development

Step into a career with ASM, where cutting edge technology meets collaborative culture. ​

For over 55 years ASM has been ahead of what’s next, at the forefront of innovation and what’s technologically possible. With more than 4,500 ASMers representing 70 nationalities, our people and our advanced semiconductor devices are playing a crucial role in trends such as 5G, cloud computing, AI, and autonomous driving.  But we’re more than just a tech company. We value diversity, inclusion and sustainability as we strive to make a positive impact on the world.  Our development programs help support your growth, shaping your future and pushing the boundaries of innovation to unleash potential.  

Position Summary

As a Principal Engineer, Supplier Development, you will serve as a recognized expert in advanced manufacturing and supplier development, partnering across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Product Development, and Strategic Sourcing organizations.

You will lead strategic supplier initiatives, assess and improve manufacturing capability, support new product introductions, and help ensure suppliers have the technology, capacity, quality systems, and operational maturity needed to support ASM's growth and innovation objectives. Based on the job description contained in 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development initiatives focused on quality, manufacturing capability, capacity, delivery performance, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate, qualify, and develop strategic suppliers supporting critical technologies and products.
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and technical reviews to evaluate manufacturing readiness and process capability.
• Partner with engineering and new product introduction teams to ensure supplier readiness for new technologies and production ramps.
• Drive implementation of advanced manufacturing practices, including statistical process control (SPC), Lean methodologies, automation, and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with manufacturing scalability, supplier performance, technology readiness, and business continuity.
• Lead resolution of complex supplier-related technical and operational issues through structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop supplier capability roadmaps and drive long-term improvement plans aligned with business objectives.
• Influence supplier investment decisions involving manufacturing technologies, equipment, and process improvements.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives related to supplier performance, cost optimization, capacity expansion, technology transfer, and operational excellence.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across supplier development activities.
• Present recommendations, risks, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.
• PhD is a plus.

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in supplier development, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, operations, or related technical fields.
• 10+ years of experience working directly with strategic suppliers in advanced manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success leading complex supplier development and supply chain improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up, technology transfers, and new product introductions.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Experience within semiconductor, semiconductor equipment, aerospace, medical device, or similarly complex manufacturing industries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Semiconductor capital equipment industry experience.
• Six Sigma Black Belt, Master Black Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, or comparable certification.
• Experience supporting global supplier networks across North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Experience with highly complex electromechanical systems, precision manufacturing, or advanced technology products.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in supplier quality, operational performance, cost, and manufacturing capability.

Technical Expertise

Experience in several of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Supplier Development and Supplier Quality
• Advanced Manufacturing Processes
• Semiconductor Manufacturing Technologies
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Process Capability Analysis
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Control Plans
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Methodologies
• Reliability Engineering and Failure Analysis
• Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing
• Capacity Planning and Manufacturing Scalability
• Supply Chain Risk Management
• Cost Reduction and Value Engineering

What You'll Bring

• Strong technical leadership and influencing skills.
• Ability to solve complex manufacturing and supplier challenges.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.
• Strong business acumen and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Passion for continuous improvement and developing organizational capability.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%.
• Regular supplier visits, audits, manufacturing assessments, and business reviews.

Apply today to be part of what’s next.

We make the tech that enables the chips in devices which improve lives around the world. We do this with an eye to the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through cutting-edge innovation, and driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs that shape how we live, work, and connect.

To learn more about ASM, find us at asm.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

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ASM is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.