Associate Principal Supplier Quality Engineer – Supplier Development

Penumbra, Inc.

. Lead complex, cross-functional supplier development programs from definition through implementation .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeAlameda • California • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $138,000 - $176,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in leading complex supplier development programs, integrating technical and business requirements, and executing process improvement initiatives. Proficient in supplier capability assessments, project management, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive operational excellence.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supplier DevelopmentProject ManagementProcess ImprovementSupplier Quality EngineeringLean or Six Sigma Training

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Supplier Capability AssessmentManufacturing EvaluationTechnical Due DiligenceProcess OptimizationRoot Cause AnalysisStatistical MethodsRisk ManagementProject PlanningOperational ExcellenceSupplier Relationship Management

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationStakeholder ManagementMentoringLeadershipCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

PMP CertificationASQ CQEASQ CQA

Industry Keywords

Medical Device ManufacturingRegulated ManufacturingSupplier DiversificationKaizenContinuous ImprovementGlobal Supply Chain

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead complex, cross-functional supplier development programs from definition through implementation
Establish program plans integrating technical and business requirements, milestones, resources, dependencies, risks, and measurable outcomes
Lead supplier capability development, qualification, stabilization, monitoring, and improvement initiatives
Execute supplier improvement roadmaps, Kaizen events, process optimization, variation reduction, and operational excellence initiatives
Perform supplier capability assessments, manufacturing evaluations, technical due diligence, and readiness evaluations
Support make-versus-buy analyses, category strategy, supplier diversification, supplier identification, and outsource program evaluations
Assess supplier capability, capacity, scalability, and operational risks affecting supply continuity
Drive technical risk reduction and supplier resiliency strategies
Manage multiple concurrent supplier initiatives, governance, commitments, critical-path activities, barriers, and escalations
Apply engineering and quality tools to identify process variation and improvement opportunities
Lead supplier root cause investigations and corrective action efforts
Mentor Supplier Quality Engineers and cross-functional team members
Lead internal and supplier teams across Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality
Collaborate with Strategic Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Quality
Support new product introductions, supplier transfers, second-source qualifications, and supplier improvement projects
Provide leadership and project-team updates on supplier performance, schedules, risks, dependencies, decisions, and recovery plans
Build supplier relationships to drive sustainable improvements and long-term partnerships
Help shape the growth, priorities, and operating model of the Supplier Development organization

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS or MS degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
8+ years of progressive experience in Supplier Engineering, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality Engineering, Project Engineering, Operations Engineering, or related technical functions
Experience leading complex cross-functional programs
Experience leading supplier development, process improvement, supplier value-adds, or capability development initiatives
Experience working directly with suppliers to resolve technical, quality, or manufacturing challenges
Experience partnering with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations
Project management or project engineering experience leading multiple concurrent, complex initiatives
Experience developing project plans, schedules, milestones, and executive-level status updates
Ability to independently lead ambiguous, high-impact initiatives and translate strategic objectives into executable plans
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Willingness and ability to work on site
Ability to travel for business as needed, potentially 0%–25%
Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
Ability to use standard office equipment for extended periods
Ability to read, prepare emails, and produce documents and spreadsheets
Ability to move within the office and access file cabinets or supplies
Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information with employees at all levels
Preferred: medical device or other regulated manufacturing experience
Preferred: Lean or Six Sigma training
Preferred: supplier diversification, second-source, or supplier transfer experience
Preferred: supplier Kaizen and continuous improvement experience
Preferred: manufacturing process, process capability, and production readiness assessment experience
Preferred: global supplier and complex supply chain experience
Preferred: statistical methods, process validation, risk management, and root cause analysis knowledge
Preferred: PMP certification or formal project management training
Preferred: ASQ CQE or CQA

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
401(k) with employer match
Paid parental leave
Eleven paid company holidays per year
Minimum of fifteen days of accrued vacation per year, increasing with tenure
Paid sick time in compliance with applicable laws
Equity program, when applicable
Collaborative teamwork environment where learning is constant and performance is rewarded
Opportunity to contribute to therapies addressing devastating diseases