Supplier Development & Improvement Engineer

Leonardo Helicopters is a multinational company, producing helicopters deployed in more than 150 countries across the globe. Leonardo Helicopters’ U.S. headquarters has been in Philadelphia since 1980 and is home to a world-class production facility, maintenance center, training academy and stellar engineering team. We offer competitive compensation, exceptional benefits with a free healthcare option, 401k match, generous paid time off and much more.

Summary of Position

Working cross functionally to ensure the timely supply/introduction of new products or modified equipment to the required quality standard in accordance with defined program, Customer, and company requirements. Ensure that the new product/modification equipment are fully qualified in accordance with the necessary regulatory requirements and LHD specifications to support the supply of aircraft to the customer.

This role is required to evaluate the current supply base capabilities and Identify correct sources of supply for all aircraft and support equipment requirements across the LHD site. Guarantee supplier quality requirements meet LHD requirements by conducting the necessary pre-assessment, approval support, qualification tasks. Following initial approval, carryout maintenance and surveillance of suppliers to ensure continuous performance and improvements.

Responsibilities:

• Supplier Performance Improvement - Identify competency gaps within the Supply Chain Process by analysis of key performance indicators (KPI’s) intelligence gathering and internal Critical part/performance reporting. Monthly engagement with suppliers to analyze / improve performance.
• Collaborate with all stake holders (internal & external) to create and implement improvement plans in order to improve and sustain performance across Quality, Delivery, and TAT to meet with LHD contractual requirements.
• Visit suppliers to assess their capabilities; maintaining a knowledge base within the team of current supplier’s capacity capability / product range to support robust sourcing decisions. 50% + travel is required
• Manage growth of supplier’s capability, progress all quality documentation to obtain approval so this capability can be utilized. Conduct Capacity Planning assessment and line of balance production rate manufacturing assessment
• Identify as required re-sourcing of supplier’s current range of parts by an analysis of suppliers’ risk assessment, capability, and capacity and KPI performance levels.
• Conduct in-depth Quality investigation to establish root cause, corrective and preventative actions against nominated critical equipment and parts.
• Responsible for establishing a manufacturing source (in line with Commodity Strategy / LHD sourcing policy) for all requirements by analysis of engineering drawings, technical publications, SAP
• Prepare weekly updates/briefs and reporting to distribute to Management for global communication for North America supply base. Provide support to commodity management for supply chain and business criticality, as well as new product development and introduction.

Education

• BA/BS in business, engineering, supply chain or related area required. May substitute degree with comparable experience in the field

Experience

• Three (3) or more years of experience in any of the business functions (to include) Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, and/or Quality Assurance.
• Experience in any suitable in area relevant to the job description is also acceptable. Compliant to company and professional ethical policies and standards
• Trained/competent Lead Assessor with knowledge of Quality Standards, Tools and Techniques
• Possess knowledge of supply chain practices and processes, with strong influencing and negotiation skills to ensure delivery of outputs from supply base and/or internal stakeholders.