Sr. Supplier Development Engineer

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

As a Senior Supplier Development Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring supplier quality, capability, and continuous improvement across Littelfuse's supply base. In this role, you will act as the key interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders, driving supplier performance, resolving quality issues, and assessing supplier readiness to support business growth. You will leverage your expertise in supplier quality management, audits, and process improvement to develop strong supplier partnerships and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products and materials.

About the Job:

• Lead supplier quality activities and drive resolution of supplier-related quality issues impacting production and customer requirements.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, and quality systems to determine their ability to meet Littelfuse standards and expectations.
• Conduct supplier qualification, process, and quality system audits and provide risk assessments and recommendations.
• Drive supplier development initiatives and execute improvement plans for underperforming suppliers.
• Utilize quality methodologies and tools such as 8D, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and root cause analysis to improve supplier performance.
• Partner closely with sourcing, engineering, operations, and manufacturing teams to support supplier-related activities and business objectives.
• Support new product introduction activities by ensuring quality is designed into supplier processes from the early stages of development.
• Lead continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality improvement methodologies.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement corrective and preventive actions as required.
• Support international supplier visits and audits as needed.

About You:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Procurement Engineering, or a related function.
• Strong experience conducting supplier qualification, process, and quality system audits.
• Deep understanding of supplier quality management systems and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience applying quality tools and methodologies, including 8D, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and root cause analysis.
• Proven ability to independently assess supplier capabilities, identify risks, and drive supplier improvement initiatives.
• Ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders while working with minimal supervision.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience supporting electronic component, semiconductor, or industrial manufacturing suppliers is preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is a plus.
• Fluent English communication skills and willingness to travel internationally as required.

Littelfuse strives to empower associate growth and development in a culture of ongoing collaboration and respect for diverse global perspectives and expertise.

Our Core Values – We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, We Own The Outcome – support us in our mission to improve the safety, reliability, and performance of our customers’ products that use electrical energy.

We are an equal-opportunity employer that takes pride in giving every associate the means and courage to make a difference – everywhere, every day.

At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.

About Us

Our humble roots date back to 1927, where, in the back of a garage on Chicago’s northside, our founder, Edward Sundt, developed a small, fast-acting, protective fuse for use in sensitive test meters. Sundt wanted to call his new company producing these small fuses, “Little Fuse,” but wasn’t allowed to trademark two such common words. So, instead he went with the one-word, misspelled “Littelfuse.”

For more than 95 years, Littelfuse has pioneered innovative products that help empower a sustainable, connected, and safer world. With the ever-evolving electrification and electronification of customer applications, our product technologies are closely linked to sustainable applications such as electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy and energy storage, factory automation, power management and more.

Throughout our history, our people have been the foundation of our success — and that remains true today. Now more than ever, our bright and talented people are a strategic advantage for the company. From the production line to the engineering lab, the office or distribution center, Littelfuse people are an important part of a diverse, talented team of the best and brightest in the industry. While Littelfuse has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, we still maintain a small-company, entrepreneurial approach where your efforts will drive our culture, our business, and the overall success of the organization. No matter where you work or what you do, your contributions will make a difference at Littelfuse — everywhere, every day.

Littelfuse is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, and/or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.