Sourcing Engineer

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Founded in 1953 Avtron has a long history of manufacturing market leading power test solutions. Now with a global footprint and sales into some of the largest industrial projects, Avtron will continue to push the envelope of what’s possible in the electrical test environment. Avtron Power Solutions manufacture and distribute market leading load bank solutions for mission critical applications. We have the largest portfolio in the industry and can meet the highest load testing standards with our intelligent SIGMA load bank control system.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sourcing Engineer is responsible for leading engineering efforts to drive cost savings within design, supplier processes, and value engineering (VAVE). This role focuses on identifying and implementing strategies to reduce procurement costs while maintaining quality and supply chain efficiency. The Sourcing Engineer will lead supplier engineering requests in support of quoting and act as the liaison between engineering, sourcing, and Avtron suppliers to ensure a shared understanding of technical specifications, design, best-cost pricing, lead times, and terms. This role will support the New Product Development (NPD) Sourcing Manager in procurement discussions involving design engineering, sourcing, supplier selection, cost negotiation, and product launch. Additionally, this role will lead efforts to identify alternative sourcing options for obsolete, out-of-stock, and single-sourced materials in support of production. The Sourcing Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to optimize material costs, streamline processes, improve supplier relationships, and accelerate customer engagement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

· Leads design engineering feedback and support on cost savings efforts and acts as the sourcing point of contact for associated supplier bids, competitive negotiations, analysis, and PO coordination with the purchasing team

· Acts as the central POC to identify alternative sourcing options for obsolete, out-of-stock, and single-sourced materials in support of production

· Provides direction regarding print and design review, technical publication interpretation, appropriate source selection in coordination with Global Sourcing, and price/terms negotiation for new products

· Provides thorough sourcing analysis and on-site engineering support for supplier on-boarding, VAVE reviews, quality issues, production launch meetings, etc.

· Supports in managing the supply chain for NPD projects from quote through FAI approval

· Involves suppliers early in design stages to optimize design and reduce cost throughout the NPD process

· Determines and communicates expected lead times and schedules to support production launch and/or cost savings targets. Develops schedules with critical milestones to track and broadcast progress within project team updates

· Monitors short and long-term material requirements needs, develops and implements effective plans to assure material availability and capacity at selected supplier for NPD projects

· Supports supplier development and/or auditing activities to ensure quality and operational standards are met

· Maintains product costs within established goals for each component and overall BOM

· Maintains an in-depth working knowledge of computerized manufacturing systems: SAP, MRP, Bill of Material structure, Kanban, JIT and Lean Manufacturing concepts

· Actively works to develop new qualified and cost effect sources of supply when a new service, process or component is identified. This also applies to new strategic low-cost country initiatives gaining support and buy-in from Global Sourcing, Site Supply Chain Leaders, and Engineering

· Ensures all purchased components on NPD BOMs are loaded correctly in SAP

· Takes a proactive role in continuous improvement of SAP and maintaining data integrity and parameters

· Manage approval process for new suppliers through the NPD process and cost savings initiatives

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

· BS or BE in Engineering

Skills

· Ability to multi-task, handling quick turnaround

· Ability to identify problem issues and escalate and/or execute acceptable solutions

· Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with customers, suppliers and employees/managers at all levels within the company

· Excellent organizational skills

· Ability to maintain safe work environment

Experience

· Minimum of 5-7 years’ progressive experience in engineering with procurement, sourcing, operations, and/or finance experience within manufacturing operations

· Understanding of Supply Chain Management best practices

· Advanced user of SAP, Excel, power point and databases

· Advanced analytical and presentations skills required

· Experience in ERP systems, SAP desired

COMPUTER SKILLS:

· Possesses strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in standard business software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office)

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

· 20 minutes away from Cuyahoga Valley National Park

· 7 minutes away from Topgolf

· 15 minutes away from Bedford Reservation

· Local restaurants like Chipotle, Red Robin, Potbelly’s Sandwich Shop, Starbucks, and so much more!

· Fantastic local school system