Sourcing Engineer

Requirements

• POSITION SUMMARY:
• The Sourcing Engineer is responsible for sourcing materials, components and services required for ceramic product production. This role partners with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Sales/Customer Service teams to ensure suppliers meet technical, quality, cost, and delivery requirements. The Sourcing Engineer drives supplier development, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting production and new product development.
• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Identifies, evaluates, and qualifies suppliers for products, component, packaging, and manufacturing services.
• Establishes and maintains strategic supplier relationships.
• Performs audits and capability assessments to evaluate supplier qualifications and compliance.
• Monitors performance using KPIs such as on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Assesses supplier risk by monitoring capacity, financial stability, and geopolitical factors that may impact supply continuity.
• Proactively develops alternative supply sources to strengthen supply chain reliability and continuity.
• Reviews engineering drawings, specifications, material requirements, and process needs.
• Sources materials and components in support of manufacturing, quality, and cost objectives.
• Develops qualification plans for newly sourced materials.
• Works with Engineering to ensure supplier capabilities align with product and process requirements.
• Prepares RFQs, analyzes supplier quotations, and supports departmental purchasing efforts.
• Negotiates pricing, contracts, lead times, and service agreements.
• Leads cost-reduction and value-engineering initiatives.
• Supports new product development and introduction by securing qualified suppliers and materials.
• Verifies supplier readiness to support production and delivery requirements.
• Collaborates with the Quality team to resolve supplier quality issues.
• Maintains and updates supplier qualification files, records, and related documentation in accordance with company requirements.
• Continuously identifies opportunities for improvement (OFI); suggests ways to improve processes.
• Continually strives to increase understanding of materials and processes associated with the products manufactured and sold to customers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, business, or a related field.
• Experience in sourcing, procurement, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain roles preferred.
• Experience with supplier quality management and audits preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of direct material sourcing (metals, fabricated parts, assemblies, etc.)
• Knowledge of basic properties and fabrication of material; including ceramics, metals, glass, and plastics.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and cost analysis.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced environments with changing priorities and high levels of accountability.
• Strong work ethic and high level of integrity.
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet customers, suppliers and attend industry events.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT/HAZARDS:
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• 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 the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.