General Summary
We are establishing a dedicated Supplier Development capability within Supplier Quality Engineering focused on strategic supply chain initiatives, strengthening supplier capability, and improving long-term supply continuity and resiliency. The Associate Principal Supplier Quality Engineer (Supplier Development) will serve as a technical and program leader for high-priority supplier initiatives, partnering with Strategic Procurement and cross-functional stakeholders to define strategy, align resources, manage interdependent workstreams, and drive programs through execution. This is an opportunity to help shape and grow an emerging organization while leading initiatives with broad business visibility, cross-functional influence, and long-term impact.
This position is responsible for leading complex, cross-functional supplier development programs spanning supplier qualification, capability improvement, risk reduction, and supply continuity. The role will establish program plans, integrate technical and business requirements, manage risks and dependencies, and mobilize internal and external stakeholders to improve supplier quality, scalability, process robustness, and readiness to support business growth. The individual will provide technical leadership across a portfolio of supplier initiatives and influence decisions that affect supply continuity, product quality, and long-term supplier strategy.
Primary Responsibilities
Supplier Development & Capability Improvement
Lead and/or support supplier capability development initiatives to improve quality, scalability, process robustness, and long-term supplier readiness.
Execute and support supplier improvement roadmaps and long-term development plans aligned with Strategic Procurement strategies and Technical Operations Engineering priorities
Drive supplier improvement activities including Kaizen events, process optimization projects, variation reduction efforts, and operational excellence initiatives.
Perform supplier capability assessments, manufacturing evaluations, and technical due diligence activities
Support make-versus-buy analyses by providing technical, quality, and manufacturing assessments
Identify and drive opportunities to improve supplier performance, supply risk, and supplier controls
Supplier Qualification & Enablement
Lead supplier qualification activities including process assessments, manufacturing readiness evaluations, and technical reviews.
Support complex supplier programs including large qualifications, supplier expansion activities, and supplier capability growth efforts
Lead supplier stabilization and monitoring activities for new suppliers, outsourced processes, or developing supply chains
Support Strategic Procurement on:
Category strategy and diversification efforts
New supplier identification, qualification, and development initiatives
Supply risk reduction initiatives and inspection programs
Evaluation of outsource programs
What We Offer
• A collaborative teamwork environment where learning is constant, and performance is rewarded.
• The opportunity to be part of the team that is revolutionizing the treatment of some of the world's most devastating diseases.
• A generous benefits package for eligible employees that includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid parental leave, eleven paid company holidays per year, a minimum of fifteen days of accrued vacation per year, which increases with tenure, and paid sick time in compliance with applicable law(s).
Penumbra, Inc., headquartered in Alameda, California, is a global healthcare company focused on innovative therapies. Penumbra designs, develops, manufactures, and markets novel products and has a broad portfolio that addresses challenging medical conditions in markets with significant unmet need. Penumbra sells its products to hospitals and healthcare providers primarily through its direct sales organization in the United States, most of Europe, Canada, and Australia, and through distributors in select international markets. The Penumbra logo is a trademark of Penumbra, Inc.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.