Staff/Principal Engineer, Supplier

Niron Magnetics, Inc. • Minneapolis, MN

8h • $145,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Principal Staff/Supplier Engineer is a deep technical leader responsible for developing, qualifying, and scaling supplier capabilities that enable Niron’s product and manufacturing roadmap. This role provides technical leadership across multiple systems or domains, partners closely with Operations and R&D, and ensures supplier performance meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, cost, and delivery. At the Principal level, the engineer will operate in high‑ambiguity environments, influence cross‑functional direction, and drive long‑term strategic supplier decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, or related field).
• 10+ years of experience in supplier engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related technical roles.
• Demonstrated success solving complex, ambiguous technical problems requiring deep domain expertise.
• Hands-on experience with supplier process development, qualification, and quality systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across engineering, operations, quality, and external partners.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in high-precision manufacturing environments (metals, magnets, electromechanical systems, or similar).
• Previous work developing suppliers for a scaling hardware or advanced materials organization.
• Expertise in FMEA, SPC, PPAP, process validation, and similar methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership across multiple domains.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Development & Technical Ownership
• Lead supplier qualification, capability assessments, and ongoing technical audits.
• Partner with suppliers to define and improve critical manufacturing processes, tooling, and quality controls.
• Own technical problem solving for supplier‑related issues, especially those with high complexity, cross‑functional impact, or systemic root causes.
• Define critical supplier requirements (CTQs, specifications, inspection standards).
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
• Serve as the primary technical interface between suppliers, Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams.
• Influence design-for-supply-chain decisions to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and cost effectiveness.
• Act as a technical leader shaping long‑term direction in supplier technology domains.
• Quality & Reliability
• Drive supplier corrective actions, process improvements, and qualification plans.
• Ensure consistent, reliable supplier performance that meets production readiness and scale requirements.
• Evaluate risks related to supplier processes, capacity, materials, and long‑term viability.
• Strategic Impact
• Contribute technical expertise to supplier sourcing strategy, including new technology scouting and supplier capability roadmaps.
• Translate business and product strategy into long-term supplier technical direction.
• Build durable systems, documentation, and standards that scale with organizational growth.

Benefits

• Equity position in Niron via stock option grant
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental healthcare benefits
• 401k plan with 6% company match
• Paid time off to take time for what you need in life
• Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment set to change the world

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal