Staff Supplier Industrialization Engineer – Electric Motors

The role

You will lead the industrialization of electric motors used in autonomous drone systems. You will partner with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, and global suppliers to ensure scalable, reliable, and cost-effective production.

What you will 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.
• 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.

Required qualifications

• 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.

Nice to have

• 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.

Benefits

• Equity compensation
• Discretionary annual or performance bonuses
• Sales incentives
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

About the company

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. They design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system to deliver critical supplies.