JobsMercury Marine

Supplier Development Engineer (Non-metallics)

Mercury Marine · Fond du Lac, WI

Posted Dec 11, 2025 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a time you qualified a new supplier for a non-metallic component, like an injection molded or thermoformed part. What did the assessment look like and what did you find?

whether the candidate has hands-on experience running real supplier qualification, not just familiarity with the paperwork

Tell me about a PFMEA or control plan you helped a supplier build from scratch. What did you push back on, and why?

whether they actually author or influence quality documents versus just reviewing them

Tell me about a time you used 8D or A3 to solve a supplier quality problem. What was the actual root cause and how did you confirm it, not just guess at it?

rigor in problem-solving methodology versus surface-level box-checking

Describe a supplier improvement plan you built for a supplier that was missing quality or delivery targets. How did you know it was working?

whether they can design and track a real corrective action plan, not just write one and walk away

This role is up to 40 percent travel, often to supplier sites for audits or launches. What has that kind of travel looked like for you in past roles, and how do you manage the workload around it?

realistic expectations and track record with the travel demands of the job

Technical

Say you're validating a tooling transfer for a cowling mold moving to a new supplier site. What do you check before you sign off on readiness?

depth of practical knowledge on tooling installation and process validation, since this is a core function of the job

What's the difference between how you'd approach an injection molding process issue versus a composite layup issue, in terms of root cause tools?

whether the candidate actually understands multiple non-metallic processes rather than just one

How do you read a mold flow analysis, and what would make you tell a supplier their tool design needs to change before it's cut?

real technical fluency with mold flow, since it's called out specifically in the posting

How would you explain the connection between DOE results and a control plan to a supplier's floor team who isn't familiar with statistics?

ability to translate technical rigor into practical training, since supplier training is part of the role

Situational

A supplier's PPAP submission comes in with capability studies that look marginal but pass by a hair. What do you do?

judgment on quality risk tolerance and whether they rubber-stamp or dig into root data

You're monitoring a supplier's PPM and OTD and both start trending the wrong way at the same time. Walk me through how you'd figure out what's driving it and what you'd do about it.

structured problem-solving instinct and whether they know which metric issues point to process versus supply chain causes

Engineering wants to lock a design that you think will be hard for a supplier to hold tolerance on with GD&T as specified. How do you handle that conversation?

ability to push back cross-functionally on manufacturability without stalling a program

You're leading a supplier through APQP for a new cowling program and the launch timeline gets pulled in by six weeks. What do you do first?

prioritization under schedule pressure and understanding of which APQP phases can't be skipped

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Innovation is the heart of Brunswick.  See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality: Position Overview :  As part of the Supplier Development team, you will be responsible for developing, qualifying, and improving suppliers for non-metallic components, specifically cowling assemblies. This role focuses on building supplier capability, driving process excellence, and ensuring robust quality systems for new product families and tooling transfers. You will work cross-functionally to support design reviews, APQP deliverables, and continuous improvement initiatives that enable successful launches and long-term supplier performance. At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.  Essential Functions: • Supplier Development & Qualification - onboard new suppliers for non-metallic cowling components. • Conduct supplier capability assessments, audits, and feasibility reviews. • Develop and implement supplier improvement plans to meet quality, delivery, and productivity targets. • Process & Tooling Readiness • Oversee tooling transfers and validate installation and readiness at new supplier sites. • Ensure suppliers establish robust process controls and meet APQP requirements. • Support development of PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams. • APQP & PPAP Execution • Lead suppliers through APQP phases for new product launches and transfers. • Review and approve PPAP submissions, including dimensional analysis, material certifications, and capability studies. • Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards for non-metallic components. • Continuous Improvement • Drive supplier process improvements using Lean Six Sigma, and best practices. • Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, OTD, capability) and implement corrective actions. • Facilitate supplier training programs to enhance quality awareness and technical capability. • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, and Quality teams to align design requirements and launch timelines. • Support design reviews and provide input on manufacturability and process capability. Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way. Required Qualifications:    • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field. • 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality, development, or manufacturing engineering. • Knowledge of non-metallic manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, composite layup). • Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans. • Familiarity with DOE, SPC, GD&T, and mold flow analysis. • Proven problem-solving skills (8D, A3, 5-Why, Fishbone). • Ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications. • Excellent communication and project management skills . Business Travel Expectations • This position will require regular day and/or overnight business travel by auto or airplane, up to 40%. The anticipated pay range for this position is $72,000 - $115,300 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job- related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.  This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here .  Why Brunswick:   Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge.  As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards !  About Mercury Marine: Mercury Marine is a world leading manufacturer of marine propulsion systems. A $2.6 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury designs, manufactures and distributes engines, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications, empowering boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world with 10,000 service points globally. Mercury’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers, and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine & Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.  Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine

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