New Product Introduction/ Supplier Development Engineer Manager

Job Summary

The Manger, New Product Introduction/Supplier Development Engineering (NPI/SDE) is responsible for quality, cost, and timing of components and materials sourced from suppliers during the development phase of new products. The Manager, NPI/SDE, will lead NPI and SDE teams to source and develop suppliers for new programs. They will work closely with engineering, procurement, and suppliers to identify potential quality, cost, and timing risks early on, implement preventative measures, and develop plans to ensure a smooth transition into full production. This individual will manage and effectively communicate timelines for all supplier development and sourcing activities to meet project milestones, product qualifications, and cost deliverables. The position will act as functional lead, supporting a development process and work in close collaboration with program management, engineering, quality, business development, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead selection of suppliers and sourcing of components for all new programs.
• Lead NPI/SDE team to identify and qualify potential new suppliers for new product components, assessing their manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, and ability to meet product requirements.
• Lead team to conduct thorough supplier audits to evaluate quality processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with product development teams to define quality requirements for new products, including critical characteristics and testing parameters.
• Work with purchasing and engineering on sourcing options and design changes to meet product cost targets.
• Develop and implement Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes with suppliers to ensure smooth transition from design to production.
• Work with suppliers to implement corrective actions for identified quality issues.
• Ensure Production Part Approval Processes (PPAPs) are completed to meet project timelines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure seamless integration of new products.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in quality, product development, and/or purchasing.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems (ISO 9001, IATF) and quality tools (PPAP, FMEA, SPC).
• Proven experience in supplier quality management, including supplier development and performance monitoring.
• Strong understanding of components and material cost drivers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes of quality issues.
• Experience in new product development processes and project management.
• Ability to communicate and make presentations to an audience effectively in a formal setting.

Key Competencies

• Focuses on Quality: Drives work results with a quality focus on actions and results.
• Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeking input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems
• Develops and Manages Employees: Actively develops knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees to leverage high performance.
• Influences Others: Has personal and organizational impact built on mutual trust, fairness, and honesty. Flexes their style to direct, collaborate, or empower as the situation requires.
• Delegates Effectively: Assigns work to others to maximize time for strategic thinking and actions. Provides clear guidelines, monitors, redirects, and sets limits as needed. Provides
• Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services, while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results.
• Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen.
• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments.
• Ability to travel up to 30% to supplier locations for audits and on-site support (domestic and international).

Why Join Us

American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits Overview

• Paid time off includes 4 weeks, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
• Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Voluntary benefits offerings.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Employee development and career growth opportunities.

About Us

American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business.

As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.

The Location - Lake Orion

American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township has more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around! Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here!

AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.