Supplier Development Engineer

Nuvera Fuel Cells (www.nuvera.com) is a global leader in the development and advancement of multi-fuel processing and fuel cell technology committed to providing clean, safe and efficient power solutions. With offices located in Italy and the USA, Nuvera is committed to advancing the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell power modules for industrial vehicles, equipment and stationary applications, natural gas fuel cell power systems for cogeneration applications, and on-board gasoline fuel processors and fuel cell stacks for automotive applications. Nuvera currently has the following position available in its Billerica, MA location. 

 

Nuvera is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to join our team. The “hands-on” SDE will establish and manage an international strategic supply chain relationship ensuring Nuvera has a world wide materials supply base keeping into account cost, delivery and quality. 

 

 

Job Purpose:

 

· Ensure materials are available on a timely basis to fully support all manufacturing, product development and R&D activities.

· Negotiating and/or implementing contracts with suppliers for price, quality, delivery, and warranty.  Will find innovative ways to reach common ground to make a win/win situation.

· Play a critical role in the selection and interfacing with Nuvera suppliers that are manufacturing or integrating Nuvera components or products.  Lead the supplier improvement processes to improve total purchase cost; be a liaison between Nuvera Engineering and Suppliers for technical discussions. Develop a culture of cost based design effort and adherence to high quality. Be a champion for Design for Manufacturing.

· Provide leadership to the Product Engineering, Manufacturing teams and Suppliers to develop products (reformers, stacks, fuel cell systems) that incorporate high & low volume manufacturing strategies for lower cost. 

 

Essential Job Responsibilities: Develop and maintain international supply chain; negotiate global supplier prices and/or contracts while improving quality, cost, and delivery.  Manage the strategic supply chain supplier selection process for products with significant outsourced materials content.  Work with cross-functional teams to identify, assess and qualify potential strategic supply partners.  Influence engineers and other development staff in the selection of key suppliers. Provide technical & business guidance to vendors and perform source inspection, as needed

· Serves as the primary supply chain representative on new product initiatives. Provides analysis and direction regarding supply chain feasibility, manufacturing and sourcing strategy, logistics and customer service implications, etc. Provide clear, frequent communication regarding project status to all appropriate stakeholdersDevelop metrics for monitoring supply chain processes and take corrective action and drive for continuous improvement all through the supply chain. Train and educate suppliers on industry best practices and requirements to develop and improve their ability to meet world-class expectations.Prepare request for proposals, bids and other similar and necessary documents related to the purchasing of product to support manufacturing, product development and R&D.  Analyze quotations for new components from current or new suppliers in a manner that is consistent with the sourcing strategy.Develop, implement and monitor KanBan program with key suppliers.Perform Supplier Audits as needed, resolve quality issues by eliminating root causes, maintain supplier quality data & give suppliers timely feedback. Improve suppliers’ performance toward 6-sigma levelAssist suppliers to ensure that selection, development, and validation of manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling are performed to the meet all requirements.

 

Job Qualifications: (required unless otherwise noted)

Educational Background

Bachelor or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering, MBA preferred.

Green Belt Certified in 6-Sigma, Black Belt Certification is a Strong Plus

 

Previous Work Experience

Seven years of supply chain development experience in a low & high volume, highly technical content manufacturing environment involved in sheet metal fabrication, electro-mechanical and electrical assembly operations.  Lean Manufacturing & Total Quality experience is a must.  Some international supply chain experience is a plus.

 

Special Skills and Abilities

· Exceptional negotiation skills, and experience developing win-win relationships with key suppliers.  Able to develop short, mid and long term strategies

· Proven Project Management experience

· Experienced in JIT, Kanban, Kaizen, PokYoke

· Experienced in using 6 sigma tools for data mining and resolving issues

· Very good understanding of value engineering and value analysis techniques, and completely understand how procurement, planning, production, and manufacturing work together to accomplish supply chain goals

· Information gathering and analysis strengths; excellent organizational and communications skills

· Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities

· Strong ability to identify and implement improvements to supply chain using research, supplier relationships, industry knowledge, and best practices (i.e., cost savings, new technologies and innovations, and operating efficiencies)

· Demonstrated proficiency with computer applications in a Windows-based environment

· Advanced experience with an ERP system (Great Plains eEnterprise strongly preferred)

 

Travel Required

Up to 30% travel may be required, including periodic overnight travel

 

Licenses Needed, Certifications, Special Training Courses: 

APICS certification preferred

 

 

 

 

 

Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.