The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) plays a critical role in supporting the Supply Chain function by qualifying new suppliers and developing existing ones. This role focuses on supplier performance improvement, risk mitigation (including single source) and capacity enhancement to ensure a resilient and high-performing supply base.

The SDE will also support New Product Introduction (NPI) and Engineering Change Notices (ECN), ensuring suppliers have the capability to meet evolving business needs

• Support the Supply Chain Strategy in eliminating risk of single source vendors. 
• Generate, develop and maintain an approved supplier list for Brush, ensuring compliance and life cycle through auditing and collaboration.
• Support the vendors on Business Improvements and collaborating on cost saving initiatives through value engineering.
• Interface with cross functional areas of the business (Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Quality and Finance) to identify best in class suppliers that support the business strategies.
• Participate in technical reviews with qualified suppliers.
• Participate in the supplier selection process and lead the on-site evaluation of new suppliers by conducting an initial SSA (supplier sourcing audit).
• Apply APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process after source selection on every high and medium risk new program.
• Communicate and ensure all approved suppliers agree and sign up for the BRUSH Supplier Quality Manual, which clearly defines expectations.
• Capture on- time delivery and quality incidents from system driven supplier performance data, that forms part of KPI / balanced scorecard measures to be communicated across the supply base. 
• Manage processes for non-conforming products & suppliers ensuring any financial liabilities effecting BRUSH are recharged to the supplier. Continuous improvement activities for prevention and future proofing for both parties.
• Verify all APQP elements are optimized and meet program requirements (FMEA. Process flow. Control plans, run rate etc.) RFT (right first time) culture.
• Communicate supplier issues with Purchasing, Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing & NPD on a timely basis.
• Support tooling refurbishment evaluations and cost implications to ensure supply continuity of product is maintained.
• Prioritize role requirements to meet the flexibility and timelines of the business needs.
• Ensure all parts are compliant through the business parts approval process. (PPAP).
• Support for cost down and VA/VE initiatives.

• Develop part approval, effective problem solving, risk analysis and other best practices with suppliers.
• Manufacturing experience in key processes for materials such as (Electrical, Plastics, Steel, Copper, Machining & Castings) is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of lean methodology in manufacturing and production assembly environments.
• Commercially astute and the awareness of cost implications that may affect the business.
• Working knowledge of drawings, specifications and inspection methods.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to contribute, influence and work in a team environment.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency using Microsoft office (PowerPoint, Excel and Word).
• Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally.
• Desirable industry experience in heavy engineering, automotive or aerospace sectors.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Engineering / Quality is desireable

Skills

• Advance Microsoft Project and Excel

Knowledge

• Thorough working knowledge of SQA / SQE processes & practices

Experience

• Relevant experience of working in a dynamic fast-paced engineering and/or manufacturing environment.
• Must have ability to work in a team environment 
• Open to learn new skills
• Must be confident to communicate at all levels both written and verbal
• All employees must observe and comply with BRUSH policies and procedures for health and safety.
• Ability to challenge the norm and promote new ideas

BRUSH Switchgear provide agile and adaptive engineering solutions and products, including consultancy services, design, and project management as well as award-winning product technology, to a wide range of projects.

A chosen partner for national and regional power generation and distribution network operators, through innovation and a commitment to delivering solutions that address grid-resilience and drive system change, we support the global drive to net-zero, helping create a future-proof Infrastructure.