Supplier Development Engineer - Strategic Sourcing (Hybrid Office Schedule)

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

We are seeking a Supplier Development Engineer- Strategic Sourcing to join our Supply Chain team in Duncan, SC. The Supplier Development Engineer- Strategic Sourcing is a key member of AFL's Supplier Development team, working alongside Engineering, Operations, Program Management, Product Line Management, Quality, and global suppliers to help bring new products to market, strengthen supplier capabilities, and support operational excellence across the supply chain.

In this role, you'll help drive supplier readiness, manufacturing capability assessments, RFQ execution, supplier implementation, and sourcing activities supporting both New Product Development (NPD) and production programs. By combining technical understanding with commercial analysis, you'll contribute to informed sourcing decisions, supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and long-term supply chain resilience.

Success in this role comes from collaboration, and a passion for building strong supplier partnerships. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams and global suppliers while developing technical, commercial, and project management expertise that directly supports successful product launches and long-term business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Development & RFQ Coordination

• Coordinate RFQ activities from supplier release through quotation receipt, commercial evaluation, and sourcing recommendation support.
• Track RFQ and project milestones, proactively engaging suppliers to ensure timely submission of quotations, technical documentation, and required deliverables.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve technical questions, engineering changes, commercial inquiries, and quotation updates.
• Review supplier quotations for completeness and prepare commercial comparison analysis that support informed sourcing decisions.
• Coordinate supplier onboarding and implementation activities for new and existing suppliers, supporting successful program execution and manufacturing readiness.
• Coordinate supplier readiness activities supporting prototype builds, First Article Inspection (FAI), engineering changes, and new product launches.
• Identify and support supplier cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance competitiveness and deliver long-term value to AFL.
• Participate in supplier business reviews, supplier visits, and cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen supplier performance and operational excellence.
• Maintain RFQ documentation, supplier records, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and sourcing files in accordance with company procedures.

Cross-Functional Program Support

• Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Program Management, Product Line Management, Quality, and Supply Chain to support successful execution of New Product Development (NPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), engineering changes, and production programs.
• Coordinate supplier deliverables required to meet project schedules and manufacturing readiness objectives.
• Support the introduction of new manufacturing technologies, supplier capabilities, and process improvements that strengthen supplier performance and operational readiness.

Commercial Analysis & Supplier Coordination

• Analyze supplier quotations, manufacturing capabilities, commercial competitiveness, and sourcing risks to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Support supplier cost analysis, cost optimization initiatives, and value engineering opportunities.
• Monitor supplier lead time changes, capacity constraints, and supply risks while providing recommendations that support business continuity.
• Maintain supplier agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), sourcing documentation, and commercial records.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and performance metrics that support supplier development and strategic sourcing activities.
• Ensure compliance with established sourcing procedures, documentation requirements, and supplier governance processes.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve supplier development processes, RFQ execution, sourcing efficiency, and supplier performance.
• Support the development and maintenance of standard work, sourcing tools, templates, and best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives and special projects that support organizational objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Engineering, New Product Introduction (NPI), or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting supplier development activities, RFQ execution, supplier implementation, and cross-functional sourcing initiatives.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting injection molding, metal fabrication, machining, electromechanical assemblies, or similar manufacturing commodities.
• Experience working with domestic and global suppliers.
• Experience with ERP systems, Power BI, or other business intelligence and reporting tools.
• Professional certifications such as CPM, CPIM, PMP or other relevant supply chain or manufacturing certifications are considered a plus.

Organizational Alignment

Reporting to the Supplier Development Manager, the Supplier Development Engineer- Strategic Sourcing is an integral member of AFL's Supplier Development organization. You'll work alongside talented cross-functional teams and global suppliers to solve manufacturing and sourcing challenges, strengthen supplier partnerships, and support successful product introductions throughout the product lifecycle.

Your work will directly influence supplier readiness, manufacturing capability, operational performance, and supply continuity while contributing to cost optimization and long-term business growth. This role offers the opportunity to build technical, commercial, and supplier development expertise in a collaborative environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and innovation are valued.