Overview

Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) – Energy Systems Jobs in Timişoara, Timiş, Romania at Piaxo

Title: Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) – Energy Systems

Company: Piaxo

Location: Timişoara, Timiş, Romania

Role Overview

The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) is responsible for developing and industrializing suppliers to ensure robust quality, stable production capability, cost competitiveness, and assurance of supply for Client Energy Systems products.

This role leads supplier development activities from supplier scouting, early development through PPAP and serial production, working cross‑functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Program Management, and acting as a key technical interface with Client’ supply base.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the end‑to‑end process and product industrialization and release for purchased components from external suppliers through supplier scouting, auditing, development Start of Production (SOP), in close collaboration with Purchasing, Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Logistics.
  • Apply and drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) throughout the full product lifecycle.
  • Deliver all required outputs on time, fully aligned with BU plant operations and project schedules (component release milestones).
  • Work with suppliers to ensure robust process control standards are established and maintained.
  • Ensure suppliers have adequate people, training, tooling, fixtures, equipment, and capacity to meet production demand.
  • Lead supplier production capacity investigations and define long‑term actions to mitigate assurance‑of‑supply risks.
  • Manage supplier escalations, ensuring effective containment, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
  • Work closely with plant Quality to manage complaints related to supplier responsibility.
  • Lead resolution of issues related to processes, purchased materials (including semiconductors and electronic components), logistics, and engineering changes.
  • Lead supplier improvement programs to enhance quality, delivery, and cost performance.
  • Monitor and enforce Process / Engineering Change Notifications (PCN / ECN) in a timely and cost‑effective manner.
  • Lead VA / VE initiatives with suppliers to support sustainable cost improvements without compromising quality or robustness.
  • Conduct supplier audits and on‑site visits based on development and program needs.
  • Support and actively participate in sourcing activities, project gate reviews, and supplier selections.
  • Support market research activities with category buyers to find, audit, develop a qualified and competitive supply base.
  • Support Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives with plants, category teams, and suppliers.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or equivalent).
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the automotive industry, including at least 2 years in a quality‑related role; supplier quality experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including :
  • Stamping, machining, and injection molding
  • Electronics / PCB manufacturing and assembly (preferred)
  • Li‑ion cell manufacturing (preferred)
  • Fundamental understanding of aluminum, metals, and plastics raw materials
  • Solid application of quality tools and methodologies:
  • APQP, PPAP, VDA PPF,FMEA (DFMEA / PFMEA),SPC, MSA, process capability analysis
  • Structured problem‑solving (8D, A3, 5 Whys, Ishikawa, Fault Tree Analysis)
  • Familiarity with automotive quality standards, particularly IATF 16949, and environmental, safety, and sustainability requirements.
  • Auditing experience; VDA 6.3 auditor qualification is preferred.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
  • Fluent English (written and spoken); ability to work in global teams, including occasional off‑hours meetings.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite.

Key Competencies

  • Strong analytical and structured problem‑solving mindset
  • Ability to take ownership, drive closure, and perform under pressure
  • Professional supplier relationship management, negotiation, and influence skills
  • Effective cross‑functional collaboration in a global environment
  • Results‑oriented with a continuous improvement mindset

Travel requirement: ~50%

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