Supplier Development Manager: Electric Motors and Electronics Components

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Leadership

• Act as the primary quality and manufacturing process expert for assigned electric machine and electronic suppliers and technologies.
• Input to supplier selection, lead technical risk assessments, and manufacturing feasibility reviews for new programs.
• Drive supplier accountability for process capability, quality performance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to other SQEs or program team members.

Deep Manufacturing Process Expertise

Provide expert‑level oversight and evaluation of supplier manufacturing processes, including but not limited to:

Motors:   

• Evaluate how components such as magnets, laminations, windings, insulation systems, and assembly tolerances interact to affect:
• Torque output and efficiency
• Electromagnetic noise and vibration (NVH)
• Thermal performance and decreased margins
• Mechanical robustness at speed

Permanent Magnets

• Powder metallurgy processes (pressing, sintering, grain alignment)
• Magnetization methods and fixture design
• Coating systems (epoxy, NiCuNi, Parylene) and corrosion risks
• Dimensional stability, chipping risk, and magnetic flux variation

Motor Laminations

• Electrical steel selection and material properties
• Stamping/punching processes (tool wear, burr control, deformation)
• Insulation coatings and damage mechanisms
• Stacking methods (interlocking, bonding, welding) and impact on NVH, losses, and concentricity

Windings & Conductors

• Hairpin and round‑wire forming processes
• Bending, cutting, stripping, and insertion operations
• Weld processes (laser, resistance, ultrasonic) and defect modes
• Insulation damage prevention and dielectric robustness

Insulation & Impregnation

• Slot liners, phase insulation, and over molding strategies
• VPI, trickle, dip, and roll impregnation processes
• Thermal class compliance and void prevention
• Assess supplier process capability using Cp/Cpk, SPC, MSA, and layered process audits.
• Identify process failure modes and challenge suppliers to implement robust poka‑yoke and prevention controls.

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) & PCBA Assembly

• Power Electronics & Energy Control
• Controls & Sensors
• Firmware & Embedded Systems (Quality Perspective)

Keys to Success

Supervisory Responsibilities

Requirements and Preferred Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, or related field).
• 8+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or quality engineering within electrification environments.
• Demonstrated deep expertise in electric motors & components manufacturing processes.
• Advanced working knowledge of:
• APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC
• Structured problem‑solving methodologies (8D, A3, Six Sigma)
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with electric motors, generators, PCBA assemblies or drive assemblies.
• Experience and knowledge in mechanical components, machined components, castings, plastic injection, processes is desirable with the ability to read GD & T drawings
• Experience launching high performance or critical components.
• ISO/IATF 16949 auditor certification or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Experience working with global suppliers in Asia, Europe, or North America.

Key Competencies

• Expert‑level manufacturing process understanding
• Systems thinking and risk‑based decision making
• Strong technical influence and supplier negotiation skills
• Clear, confident communication with engineers and leadership
• Mentorship mindset and leadership presence