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Job Title: Component Engineer 3

Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Component Engineer 3 with our client located in Sunnyvale, CA.

Job Description:

• The Supplier Engineer is responsible for ensuring suppliers reliably support plant production by meeting the requirements for quality, delivery, capacity, cost, and service.
• This role is highly execution-focused and serves as the primary technical interface between the plant and suppliers to resolve line-impacting issues, improve supplier manufacturing processes, and maintain stable production operations across multiple product families.
• The Supplier Engineer partners closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, Operations, Design Engineering, Commodity / Supply Chain Engineering, and Procurement to drive supplier performance, qualify manufacturing processes, support New Product Introduction (NPI), and execute continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base.
• This position owns supplier performance for assigned commodities and components supporting plant production, with direct accountability for issue resolution, process capability, risk mitigation, and long-term supplier health.

Job Responsibilities:

• Supplier Performance & Plant Support:
  • Serve as the primary technical interface between plant manufacturing teams and suppliers for quality issues, line disruptions, yield loss, delivery concerns, and capacity constraints.
  • Lead supplier issue resolution from containment through root cause investigation and corrective/preventive action implementation.
  • Support manufacturing operations by investigating and resolving supplier-related deviations, variances, nonconformances, and first article issues.
  • Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and manufacturing stability, driving improvement where gaps exist.
  • Support uninterrupted production by proactively managing supplier risks and escalating critical issues appropriately.
• Supplier Manufacturing Process Improvement:
  • Work directly with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, process capability, inspection methods, and process controls.
  • Drive sustainable corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies and data-driven analysis.
  • Lead investigations into recurring defects, quality escapes, process variation, and manufacturing inefficiencies impacting production.
  • Partner with suppliers to improve yield, reduce variability, and strengthen manufacturing robustness.
  • Build and execute supplier development plans using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, and continuous improvement principles.
• Supplier Qualification, Validation & Change Management:
  • Own and execute supplier qualification and validation activities, including:
  • Supplier pFMEA
  • IQ/OQ/PQ and process validations
  • First Article Inspections and inspection reports
  • Gage R&R and process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk)
  • Support execution and closure of Variance Requests (VRs), Supplier Change Requests (SCRs), and supplier-driven manufacturing changes.
  • Approve and manage supplier process changes including new equipment, process transfers, facility moves, tooling changes, and production line validations.
  • Support implementation of ECO changes impacting suppliers, ensuring validation and risk mitigation prior to production release.
  • Assess supplier readiness and manufacturing capability to support sustaining production and NPI ramp activities.
• Risk Mitigation & Operational Excellence:
  • Identify and proactively manage supplier-related risks including quality, capacity, continuity, and manufacturing constraints.
  • Convert recurring supplier issues into structured improvement initiatives to eliminate root causes.
  • Drive continuous improvement projects focused on quality, operational efficiency, manufacturing consistency, and supply continuity.
  • Generate and track supplier performance metrics and provide data-driven recommendations to improve supplier health and performance.
  • Support supplier audits, process reviews, and operational assessments as required.
• Cross-Functional Partnership & Communication:
  • Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Procurement, and Engineering teams to support plant objectives.
  • Communicate supplier risks, issue status, recovery plans, and project updates clearly to cross-functional teams and leadership.
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by evaluating supplier readiness, process capability, validation strategy, and production ramp risk.
  • Maintain strong supplier relationships to effectively partner between the team and the supply base.
  • Provide technical recommendations and supplier performance updates with minimal supervision.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in Supplier Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality, or related field
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments, preferably in medical devices or regulated industries
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, MIM, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, or assembly processes preferred
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and production scaling preferred
• Strong technical problem-solving and root cause investigation skills
• Working knowledge of pFMEA, process validation, statistical analysis, SPC, inspection methodologies, and corrective action systems
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project
• Experience with ERP and document management systems such as SAP and Agile preferred
• Experience with Minitab or statistical analysis software preferred
• CAD / 3D modeling experience is a plus

Additional Skills:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (approximately 25%)

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485 preferred
• Six Sigma certification or Lean Manufacturing certification preferred
• Experience working directly with external suppliers and contract manufacturers preferred
• Experience supporting production issue escalation and supplier recovery activities preferred

Job Details:

• Job Type: Contract
• Pay Range: $60 - 69 an hour
• Location: Sunnyvale, CA (Onsite).

Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO), and an administered 401k plan.

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.