Supplier Development Engineer

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at Mesh. We are seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to build the supply chain that makes this possible: finding, qualifying, and developing suppliers who can produce hardware at sub-micron tolerances and high-volume scale. You will work at the boundary between our engineering teams and our supply base, turning demanding internal specifications into capable, repeatable external manufacturing processes. RESPONSIBILITIES: Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, processes, and equipment capable of manufacturing precision photonic and electro-mechanical hardware at scale Develop and manage a supplier ecosystem for precision optics, photonic components, coatings, ultrafast interconnects, and micro-mechanical assemblies Lead supplier qualification activities, including process capability assessment, first-article inspection, and production readiness reviews for components with sub-micron tolerances and demanding environmental requirements Define and implement incoming quality requirements, in-line inspection methods, and supplier process controls; develop supplier guidelines, specifications, and reference documentation Lead supplier-side root-cause analysis and corrective action for quality, yield, and reliability issues, driving improvements that directly impact product performance Co-develop new manufacturing processes with suppliers for challenging components and assemblies, translating internal design intent into producible supplier workflows Partner with mechanical, optical, process, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure supplier capabilities align with product requirements and production ramp timelines Track and report supplier performance metrics (quality, delivery, yield, responsiveness) and drive accountability against targets Support supplier capacity planning and production ramp execution for new product introductions QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, physics, or a related discipline Strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, or semiconductor/photonic fabrication Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers in a technical capacity, or demonstrated strong aptitude and motivation to develop supplier management skills Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with comfort working across organizational boundaries Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed Willingness to travel to supplier sites as needed PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Process engineering or mechanical engineering experience in a production or manufacturing environment Experience in high-volume production environments, including supplier qualification and production ramp GD&T proficiency, including experience defining tolerances and inspection requirements for precision components Experience with supplier quality tools and methodologies (e.g., PPAP, FMEA, 8D, SPC, process capability studies) Background in optics, photonics, semiconductor, or precision manufacturing supply chains Experience with incoming inspection methods, metrology equipment, or quality management systems Familiarity with sourcing and procurement processes, including RFQ development and supplier negotiation COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Supplier Development Engineer: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit. In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes: Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents. Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year). 401(k) retirement plan access. Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.