Supplier Development Engineer - Electronics (R5480)

Summary

Shield AI is a defense-tech company developing intelligent autonomous systems and aircraft technologies. The Supplier Development Engineer will improve electrical component and PCBA supplier performance by addressing quality, delivery, cost, manufacturing, and supply chain challenges. The role supports supplier audits, corrective actions, technical guidance, risk management, and new product introductions.

Responsibilities

• Process Improvement: Audit and embed into core supplier processes to understand improvement opportunities to cost, lead-times, and quality
• Identify and resolve manufacturing defects, process inefficiencies, and quality issues in SMT assembly, such as solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI)
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production failures, utilizing tools like PFMEA
• Ensure adherence to industry standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
• Quality Assurance: Conduct on-site audits to root cause supplier quality issues or performance challenges
• Supplier Development: Assess and improve supplier capabilities, ensuring alignment with engineering and operational priorities
• Engineering Technical Support: Provide technical guidance to suppliers on part specifications, manufacturing processes and standards, and quality measures
• Supplier Performance Monitoring: Track and analyze supplier performance metrics, including delivery, quality, and cost. Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement plans as necessary
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain to ensure uninterrupted production and delivery of components
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Support the introduction of new products by ensuring suppliers meet all quality and delivery requirements during the development phase

Skills

• Hands on experience with SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and PCBA
• Knowledge of industry standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
• Ability to analyze PCBA drawing and critical features on electronic assemblies
• Ability to travel to domestic and international suppliers ~50%+ of time
• M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• Problem solving skills including root cause investigation and failure analysis
• Leadership experience on a cross-functional project team (e.g., engineering, supply chain, production)

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Hands on experience with SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and PCBA
• Knowledge of industry standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
• ability to analyze PCBA drawing and critical features on electronic assemblies
• Ability to travel to domestic and international suppliers ~50%+ of time

Nice to Haves

• M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• Problem solving skills including root cause investigation and failure analysis
• Leadership experience on a cross-functional project team (e.g., engineering, supply chain, production)

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees are eligible for a bonus.
• Full-time regular employees are eligible for benefits.
• Full-time regular employees are eligible for equity.
• Temporary employees receive a temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment.