Vendor Development Engineer

Kinetic

Company:

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, audit, and on board new vendors for mechanical parts such as sheet metal, machined components, castings, moulded components, plastic parts, and tooling.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities in moulding, machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Coordinate with design, production, and quality teams to define technical specifications for moulded and mechanical parts.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through vendor negotiation, alternative sourcing, value engineering, and optimizing moulding processes.
• Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost, moulding capability, responsiveness) and implement improvement actions.
• Lead supplier audits, PPAP documentation, APQP process, and quality compliance specifically for moulded and mechanical components.
• Develop long-term partnerships with vendors for EV moulded parts, housings, enclosures, and other critical components.
• Handle RFQ generation, price comparison, techno-commercial analysis, including cost estimation for moulding tools and moulded parts.
• Ensure moulding suppliers meet sustainability, safety, and compliance standards.
• Maintain vendor database, contract files, and sourcing dashboards.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or related field.
• 3 -7 years of experience in vendor development, sourcing preferably in automotive or EV manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and moulding processes such as injection moulding, blow moulding, compression moulding, GD&T, machining, die casting, etc.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, 8D, and ISO/TS standards.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings for molded components and mechanical parts.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and cost estimation skillsespecially for molded parts and tooling.
• Proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems, and procurement tools.
• Excellent communication and vendor-management skills.