Supplier Development Engineer

About PowerusPowerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.MissionOur mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.Why Join PowerusPowerus is moving parts from prototype vendors to suppliers capable of production rate, and asking existing suppliers to increase capacity. Many of those suppliers must change their own processes to get there.This role works inside supplier facilities to make that happen, from process readiness through first article approval. Once a part passes first article, quality ownership transfers to Supplier Quality Engineering.Position OverviewPowerus is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to industrialize new parts at suppliers and increase supplier capacity for electrical and mechanical components. The role requires regular travel to supplier facilities.Key ResponsibilitiesTransfer new and changed designs to production suppliers and manage industrialization through first article approvalAssess supplier process capability, capacity, and readiness for Powerus production rateReview supplier process flows, PFMEAs, and control plans for new partsBuild capacity and ramp plans with suppliers and track them to completion on siteReturn supplier design-for-manufacturability feedback to Powerus engineeringSupport make-versus-buy and dual-source qualification with strategic sourcingResolve supplier technical issues that threaten delivery during rampQualificationsMust be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SCBachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering, or equivalent practical experienceExperience in supplier development, manufacturing engineering, or new product introductionWorking knowledge of common manufacturing processes such as machining, molding, PCB assembly, and cable assemblyAbility to read drawings and specificationsAbility to travel regularly to domestic supplier facilitiesU.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical dataPreferred QualificationsExperience scaling suppliers from prototype to productionExperience with lean manufacturing and process capabilityExperience with domestic sourcing and NDAA or Buy American requirementsExperience in aerospace, defense, or automotive supply chainsActive or prior U.S. security clearanceWhat We Look ForCandidates should have taken at least one part from a prototype vendor to a qualified production supplier and should be able to describe the process changes made at the supplier to get there.Equal Opportunity StatementPowerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.