Technical Procurement Engineer

Summary

The Technical Procurement Engineer strategizes the acquisition of direct materials crucial for production, focusing on cost reductions through detailed engineering and market analysis. They collaborate with cross-functional teams during APQP to ensure procurement aligns with technical specifications and project goals, effectively managing supplier relationships and change processes.

Key Deliverables:

The Technical Procurement Engineer serves as an engaged and trusted source in the organization. Success in this role is measured by on-time delivery, cost optimization through technical levers, supplier performance, and alignment with project timelines. Key deliverables to ensure success are listed below:

• Maintains a safe working environment by complying with all safety and environmental policies in the workplace. Advocates for and promotes a safe work environment by reporting Near Misses and/or other safety and environmental hazards, wearing all required PPE, and encouraging others to do the same.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for direct materials that focus on cost reduction through comprehensive cost engineering and analysis of total cost of ownership.
• Actively engage in the APQP process with cross-functional teams to ensure procurement activities align with program timelines, engineering milestones, and launch targets.
• Participate in technical cost reduction initiatives by proposing and evaluating design or specification changes with suppliers and engineering teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to assess the feasibility of changes and support the implementation of engineering change requests (ECRs).
• Work closely with corporate commodity managers to align plant-level sourcing decisions with broader commodity strategies and to maximize leverage across the supply base.
• Identify and develop alternative suppliers and materials that improve performance or reduce cost while ensuring continuity of supply.
• Support and lead supplier negotiations, including commercial terms, cost breakdowns, and long-term agreements, to drive competitive advantage and maintain cost discipline.
• Analyze market trends, commodity indices, and supplier technologies to identify and capitalize on savings opportunities.
• Manage the change request process, ensuring all procurement-related technical changes are approved, documented, and effectively communicated internally and externally.
• Monitor supplier performance for key metrics such as quality, cost, and delivery, and support corrective actions or development initiatives as needed.
• Assist logistics and planning functions in resolving delivery and commercial issues related to direct materials.
• Maintain supplier communication and support internal reporting on savings, sourcing status, and escalations as needed.
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Area of Focus:

The Technical Procurement Engineer may focus on direct materials, project sourcing, or both depending on the business need. Employees in this role are expected to proactively engage in cost engineering initiatives, collaborate on technical change management, and support product launches through APQP involvement. Additional accountabilities related to these areas of focus are outlined below:

• Develop and maintain direct material sourcing strategies in alignment with technical and commercial objectives.
• Lead supplier nomination processes for series production, ensuring technical feasibility, cost competitiveness, and capacity alignment.
• Collaborate with corporate commodity managers and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent execution of commodity strategies.
• Maintain SAP master data related to direct materials (e.g., vendor master, material master, info records, scheduling agreements, and purchase orders).
• Monitor supplier KPIs and support development initiatives to improve quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Serve as the key procurement representative in project teams, supporting sourcing activities throughout the APQP process.
• Identify and drive technical cost reduction opportunities early in the product development phase.
• Support sourcing decisions for new products based on cost, lead time, and technical requirements.
• Ensure timely execution of sourcing strategies to meet program timing and cost targets, and support change request implementation during development and series phases.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, a candidate must be able to fulfill each essential duty with a strong technical foundation, business acumen, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related technical field) is required. Additional education or experience in business or supply chain management is preferred.
• Experience: 5 to 7 years of experience in technical purchasing or supplier management within a manufacturing environment is required. Automotive industry and Tier 1 supplier experience are strongly preferred. Experience managing engineering change requests, analyzing their cost and timing impacts, and aligning with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications. Solid knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). Hands-on experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), including involvement in project teams and familiarity with deliverables such as PPAP and VDA 2. Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes such as forging, casting, machining, and heat treatment.
• Technology: Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred). Strong skills in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, cost modeling) and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations.
• Language: Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially for communicating technical and commercial content with internal teams and suppliers. Ability to interpret regulatory documentation, specifications, and contractual requirements.
• Travel: Occasional travel is required (up to 10%), including both domestic and international supplier visits.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Supplier Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Company Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage
• Exclusive free medical services through our partnership with Everside Healthcare for employees and their dependents 3+ years of age.
• 401(K) Plan with 5% Company match!

We only accept online applications submitted through the 'Apply Now' button on this job posting. You can find all current job openings on our career site at: https://jobs.thyssenkrupp.com/en Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

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