Kaman Precision Products has an opportunity for a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer to join our outstanding Quality team in Middletown, CT. Year after year Kaman delivers Quality technical breakthroughs and Innovative solutions. We are continually looking for and readying the next generation of leaders at all levels, providing opportunities for career development and advancement. What sets us apart is our people, as technology advances and industries shifts, Kaman will always be a place where people can come to work to make a difference and support the life they choose.

The Supplier Development Engineer will provide subject matter expertise to increase the capability of our high-risk, critical, and strategic suppliers, improving cost, quality, and timeline of delivered products to Kaman Precision Products.  Under limited supervision, you will be responsible for completing technical analytical assessments and reports to identify supplier quality and performance issues within current supply base as well as evaluation of potential future suppliers.

Evaluate manufacturing producibility onsite of our most critical suppliers, improving overall supplier capability by driving drawing and process changes which enhance performance and reduce cost.  Supplier Development Engineer will be accountable for expected supplier performance improvement through creation and management of formal Supplier Development Plans.  The Supplier Development Engineer will also work closely with Program Quality and Procurement as well as KPP business unit’s Engineering and Manufacturing

organizations and support the development and implementation of informational processes and channels of communication.

Other Responsibilities Include:

• Complete technical supplier assessment, identify actions and develop plans to improve suppliers’ manufacturing capability for machinery, tooling and processes, quality workforce, capability, continuous improvement and sub-tier management.
• Work directly with suppliers where Quality or Delivery performance or business risk demands robust corrective action and improvement. Utilizes expertise and a wide range of tools to identify and lead improvement actions including Problem Solving and Auditing.
• Support the procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier competencies.
• Conducts initial Supply Site Assessment to evaluate risk with New Supplier prior to their addition to Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Assesses Manufacturing Readiness Review activities with suppliers to ensure compliance and quality standards.
• Performs capability (Product, Process, Material Management) assessments and where necessary.
• Assesses Production Rate Readiness with Suppliers.
• Actively supports supplier chain, New Product Development (NPD) Stage Gate Process, and Internal Research & Development (IRAD) by working closely with suppliers from development through to production launch, ensuring compliance to process, and coordinating on time submission of FAI’s as required.
• Functions as a liaison between suppliers and internal functions / plants Quality, Engineering, Operation, etc. to clarify requirements, facilitate communication and drive accountability.
• Review and develop supplier capacity analysis and tools.
• Create and manage supplier specific development plans to completion.
• Deploy risk mitigation plans and be accountable for decreasing supplier risk.
• Facilitate and champion continuous improvement events and initiatives.
• Investigate problem N/C and implement solutions to improve product quality.
• This position may act as an informal lead as well as mentor less-experience team members.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or supply chain management from an accredited institution.
• 8+ years of related field in Quality, Manufacturing Engineering or Supply Chain experiences.
• Basic knowledge of quality, systems (ISO, AS9100, AS9102).
• Demonstrated knowledge of Continuous Improvement and Problem-Solving Tools.
• Hands on experience is desirable.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.
• Minimum travel 25%.
• Ability and willingness to obtain appropriate security clearance.
• Energetics and/or aerospace experience preferred.
• Electrical and/or mechanical experience.
• Background in systems audit – AS9100.

All positions at Kaman Aerospace Group require access to information or technology that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and other US government security regulations. These laws do not permit access rights to non-US citizens or to other unauthorized individuals. Therefore, presently, all applicants must be US Citizens or US Permanent Residents ("green card holders") and/or otherwise comply with ITAR requirements for access rights to be considered for a position.