Sr. Supplier Process Engineer - Plastics

About the role

Job Description: WE CREATE EMPOWERED LEADERS! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success. As Senior Quality Engineer, you'll be integral to our production operations, leading quality initiatives that ensure our motor products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. The Supplier Process Engineer (SPE) provides quality and technical guidance to engineering on cross-functional R&D and Operations projects, including New Product Development, Product Support, and Value Engineering. The primary duty of this position is to provide supplier selection support, technical expertise, and supplier development for Milwaukee Tool's key suppliers. SPE will participate in on-site supplier process assessments/audits to assess supplier technical capabilities and provide on-site support as needed. This position will develop action plans and drive implementation to close supplier technical gaps within component manufacturing. Behind our doors you'll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to support the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. With the support and resources of one of the fastest-growing brands in the construction industry, you'll help shape the future of manufacturing quality at Milwaukee Tool-where innovation meets precision, and every product reflects our commitment to excellence. Your Role on Our Team: Plastics Process Expertise & Tooling Leadership Serve as Milwaukee Tool's plastics processing expert , providing technical leadership in thermoplastics, mold design, process setup, and optimization. Apply expert‑level understanding of hot/cold runner systems, valve gates, core‑pull systems, material shrink, and mold flow analysis to assess and improve supplier processes. Lead tooling‑related activities, including design reviews, maintenance evaluations, and validation of new tools through T0/T1/Tn builds. Collaborate with engineering on process improvements, tooling robustness, and Value Engineering opportunities. Supplier Capability, Auditing & Quality Systems Execute end‑to‑end supplier capability management: process audits, molding assessments, and readiness validation. Identify technical gaps in supplier molding processes and drive detailed action plans to close them. Implement process‑focused supplier quality systems emphasizing controls, metrology, data‑driven decision making, and QMS compliance. Part Approval & Program Launch Lead plastics‑related PPAP deliverables including DFM, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and readiness reviews. Ensure suppliers meet timing and performance expectations for injection‑molded components. Issue Resolution & Quality Performance Lead structured problem‑solving (8D, Six Sigma, Red X), ensuring permanent corrective actions. Analyze trends, validate root causes, and deploy prevention systems that stabilize supplier molding capability. Process Capability & Statistical Control Validate molding process capability using Cp/Cpk, DOE, control charts, and other statistical methods. Ensure suppliers maintain repeatable, predictable molding parameters with robust process windows. Leadership, Influence & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with engineering, purchasing, and quality teams to communicate technical insights and influence supplier decisions. Support risk assessment, technical reviews, and supplier transition efforts. Risk Management Identify and mitigate risks related to tooling, process variation, capacity, and supplier stability. TOOLS you'll bring with you: BS in Plastics Engineering Technology or equivalent; RJG Master Molder I/II strongly preferred . Minimum 5 years hands‑on thermoplastics processing experience. Strong understanding of mold design, tooling principles, material data, and injection molding processes . Demonstrated leadership in complex project execution within cross‑functional environments. Experience with supplier management , including assessment, auditing, development, performance evaluation, and improvement planning. Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) , including NCMR, SCAR, PPAP, APQP, FMEA, and root cause methodologies. Travel required up to 25-50% domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice Other TOOLS we prefer you to have: Professional certifications (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt). Experience with ISO‑9001, TS16949, or VDA 6.3 audits. Self‑starter who thrives in fast‑paced environments and builds organizational capability. Ability to identify risks, communicate effectively, build action plans, and deliver results. Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.