Staff Supplier Industrialization Engineer – Electric Motors

About You and The Role 

Are you passionate about taking advanced electromechanical products from prototype to high-volume production? In this role you will lead the industrialization of electric motors used in autonomous drone systems, partnering with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing and global suppliers to ensure scalable, reliable and cost-effective production.

This is an in-person role based at Zipline headquarters requiring approximately 50% travel throughout Japan and Southeast Asia to support strategic manufacturing partners.

What You'll Do 

• Lead supplier qualification, development and industrialization for BLDC motors, servo motors, geared motors, actuators and drone propulsion systems.
• Own supplier readiness from prototype builds through production ramp.
• Assess supplier manufacturing capability, process maturity, quality systems and capacity.
• Lead APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, FAI, MSA, SPC and process validation activities.
• Drive DFM/DFA reviews with engineering and suppliers focusing on rotor/stator design, magnets, winding, bearings, balancing, thermal performance and manufacturing robustness.
• Lead supplier recovery activities and executive escalations.
• Drive improvements in cost, quality, delivery, capacity and reliability.
• Develop should-cost models and support sourcing strategies.
• Lead manufacturing readiness for design changes, new product introductions and manufacturing transfers.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Procurement and Operations to ensure successful product launches.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement and supplier performance management.

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years of Supplier Industrialization, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, NPI or Operations Engineering experience.
• Experience launching high-volume electric motors or electromechanical products.
• Strong understanding of BLDC motors, servo motors, rotor/stator manufacturing, magnets, winding, bearings and automated assembly.
• Experience with global manufacturing partners.
• Knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001 and IATF16949 quality systems.
• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, SPC and production validation.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50% throughout Japan and Southeast Asia.

Major Bonuses

• Business proficiency in Japanese strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting aerospace, robotics, automotive, industrial automation or high reliability products.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with manufacturing transfers and supplier development.
• Direct experience with design, fabrication, assembly or manufacturing motor and/or motor subcomponents.

What Else You Need To Know

This role will require travel of approximately 50% of the time throughout Japan and Southeast Asia to support strategic manufacturing partners.

The starting cash range for this role is $178,900 - $268,300. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!