Supplier Development Engineer

Job Title: Mid to Senior Supplier Development Engineer

Location: Atlanta, GA

Employment Type: Full-time

About the job

VisionNav Robotics is seeking an experienced Mid to Senior Supplier Development Engineer to build and strengthen our U.S. supplier network. This role will independently manage the full sourcing lifecycle, including supplier identification, technical and commercial evaluation, cost analysis, negotiation, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing supplier performance. The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing sourcing experience, understands engineering drawings and manufacturing processes, and can work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and global procurement teams to support supplier localization, cost optimization, supply continuity, and U.S. operational growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management or a related field.

• At least 3+ years of in-house manufacturing procurement, supplier development, or supplier quality (SQE) experience.

• Proficient in ERP/PLM systems and Microsoft Office Software.

• Hands-on experience in U.S. domestic logistics and international trade, including 3PL, FTL/LTL transportation, customs clearance, Incoterms 2020, HTS classification, and rules of origin.

• Highly proactive and resourceful, with a demonstrated ability to identify and develop supplier leads independently rather than relying solely on assigned sourcing tasks.

• Proven end-to-end supplier development experience, from sourcing and qualification through PPAP, award, and ramp-up.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with new plant commissioning, NPI, or production ramp-up.

• Industry experience in AGV/mobile robotics, forklift and material-handling equipment, construction machinery, or automotive parts (including Tier 2/Tier 3 suppliers).

• Experience sourcing upstream components such as LiDAR/3D cameras, industrial computing and embedded systems, batteries/BMS, chargers, and power modules.

Essential Requirements

• Ability and wiliness to travel to or commute between suppliers’ locations as needed.

• Travel frequency will vary based on business needs and operational status of assigned facility.

• Bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese.

About VisionNav® Robotics USA

Headquarters in Atlanta, VisionNav® Robotics is a global leader in autonomous industrial vehicles (AMRs/AGVs) and logistics automation solutions. By combining deep learning, environmental perception, and servo control technologies, VisionNav has built nine product series that support a wide range of material handling applications. With over 750 projects delivered in more than 30 countries, VisionNav is trusted by numerous Fortune 500 companies across automotive, food and beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and 3PL. At VisionNav, we are committed to helping customers build safer, smarter, and more efficient operations through advanced automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the U.S. supplier base, including market screening, RFI/RFQ, supplier qualification, on-site audits, sample/PPAP validation, supplier award, and production ramp-up.

• Build competitive and resilient sourcing strategies through cost modeling, price negotiation, localization, and dual source/backup supplier development for critical materials.

• Manage U.S. domestic logistics, including 3PL/carrier selection, FTL/LTL transportation, inbound tracking, freight claims, customs coordination, and warehouse/distribution support.

• Support localized procurement of customer-designated materials, including local sourcing, alternative supplier evaluation, PO and delivery coordination, compliance documentation, and engineering changes.

• Lead procurement support during U.S. plant launch and ramp-up, including material readiness, emergency sourcing, supplier issue resolution, and cross-functional coordination to ensure supply continuity.

U.S. Benefits

Medical insurance, 401(k), PTO.