Supplier Development Engineer

About Vital Lyfe

At Vital Lyfe, we are on a mission to solve global water scarcity by creating innovative, desalination systems. This is an opportunity to join a passionate, multidisciplinary team tackling one of the world’s most critical challenges

Mission

Build the supplier network behind a field deployable water system. Architect quality and reliability into the supply chain from day one and help turn a prototype into a product that can scale anywhere.

What You’ll Do

• Architect and implement core supplier management systems to ensure traceability, accountability, and quality control
• Develop and scale a high performing, resilient supplier network aligned with cost, capacity, delivery, and quality targets
• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and technical assessments, including DFM reviews, process flow validation, and QMS audits
• Define and enforce technical and quality standards across new product introduction (NPI) and production
• Partner with internal engineering teams to ensure suppliers fully understand and can meet tight part, assembly, and metrology requirements
• Own the lifecycle of supplier issues from non-conformance reports (SDRs) to CAPAs, RTVs, and production quality investigations
• Collaborate directly with vendors to solve recurring issues and drive process-level improvements
• Conduct performance audits and risk reviews, implementing corrective actions where needed
• Provide on-site technical support as needed to ensure supplier processes are dialed for manufacturability, stability, and spec compliance
• Monitor supplier metrics and trend data to proactively mitigate risks and improve operational performance
• Source and evaluate new suppliers with unique capabilities in materials, fabrication, and metrology
• Build and enforce scalable supplier governance and escalation frameworks from scratch
• Thrive in ambiguity build process where none exists, and push for excellence where it does

What We're Looking For

• Required:
• Bachelor’s in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or equivalent).
• Hands on mindset: comfortable designing the process and also working with operators & equipment to validate and refine.
• Strong problem solving skills, ability to operate in ambiguous/higher-growth environment, clear communicator across teams.
• Experience in supplier quality, NPI, or manufacturing engineering in hardware, climate tech, or industrial systems
• Familiarity with QMS tools and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, PPAP, FAI, Cpk, PFMEA)

Preferred:

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills in fast-paced, cross-functional environments
• A track record of owning hard problems end-to-end and getting things done under real-world constraints
• A builder’s mindset and a systems-level view of manufacturing
• Experience in a hardware startup or mission-driven organization.

Physical Job Requirements - Essential Functions

• Hands on work on development hardware.
• Long periods of standing, crouching, walking.
• Lifting up to 50 lbs

Why Join Vital Lyfe?

• Work on high-impact problems with global relevance
• Help scale breakthrough technology in water security and climate resilience
• Early ownership in a high-growth, engineering-led startup
• Join a tight-knit, mission-driven team in a fast-paced environment
• Build long-term career equity as we grow

Location Requirement: Ability to work 100% onsite in Torrance, CA (remote or hybrid work will not be considered)

Vital Lyfe is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vital Lyfe is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.