Remote Lean Specialist Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

IMI plc
We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world - creating lasting impact for everyone.
We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science, and Transport.
Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don't invent in isolation - we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.
Role Overview
As Supplier Development Engineer, you will be at the heart of our supply chain transformation, building the supplier capabilities that underpin our ability to deliver world-class products to regulated markets globally. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you will lead qualification programs, drive measurable performance improvements across our supply base, and shape the long-term maturity of strategic partners. You will work at the intersection of quality, engineering, and procurement, collaborating closely with colleagues who specialise in sourcing strategy, operations, and advanced manufacturing, giving you broad cross-functional exposure and real influence on business outcomes.
Work Environment: Primarily remote, with occasional onsite presence in Palmer, MA and approximately 20% travel to supplier sites.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Development & Performance Improvement

• Leads structured supplier improvement initiatives, delivering measurable gains in quality (SPPM), delivery (OTIF), and process robustness across the supply base.
• Designs and executes tailored supplier development roadmaps, including on-site workshops, capability assessments, and targeted training programs.
• Deploys the IMI Supplier Partnership program, tracking progress against agreed milestones and KPIs.

Supplier Qualification

• Leads and supports supplier qualification activities end-to-end, including PPAP/APQP, process validation, and industrial change management.
• Conducts supplier audits and assessments covering quality systems, process capability, and industrial risk.
• Evaluates supplier technical and manufacturing capabilities to support sourcing decisions, in close collaboration with Procurement.

Quality & Process Excellence

• Embeds preventive quality practices within the supply base, including process capability analysis, mistake-proofing, and standard work implementation.
• Supports suppliers in meeting IMI quality system requirements and regulatory standards applicable to regulated industries.
• Partners with Operations to conduct root cause analysis on supply-related quality escapes, with a systematic focus on long-term prevention.

Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration

• Acts as the primary technical interface between suppliers and IMI Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Contributes to cost and lead time improvement initiatives by developing supplier capability - complementing commercial negotiation with technical uplift.
• Actively participates in cross-site supplier development initiatives within IMI.

Critical Competencies for Success
Education & Experience

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or equivalent discipline); advanced degree preferred.
• Significant experience in Supplier Development, Supplier Quality Engineering, or Industrial Engineering within a manufacturing environment, experience in a regulated industry (life sciences, automotive, analytical instrumentation or equivalent) is strongly valued.
• Demonstrated experience delivering supplier improvement projects with measurable outcomes, conducting supplier audits and assessments, and managing PPAP/APQP and industrial change processes.

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with quality management systems applicable to regulated manufacturing environments (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 13485).
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and process capability tools (Cp/Cpk, SPC).

Pay range: $105,000 - $120,000
Within the range, individual pay is determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to the job requirements. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible to receive a variable incentive pay component.
Base pay information is based on market location and may be subject to prevailing wage laws, if applicable.
What IMI Can Offer You
At IMI, one of our top priorities is to create an inclusive culture of health. We strive to remove barriers to care (whether that be physical or financial) and in doing so, we offer choice for all your health and wellbeing needs.
See below for a general overview of our amazing perks and benefits:

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
• Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
• 14-week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• 4-week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups
  PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays
• Career Development opportunities (IMI's 'Catalyst' Program)
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
• Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family
• Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform
• Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee
• Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab
• Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price - no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment 100%

**Benefits plans change year over year, but we have guiding principles in place to ensure our employees have the tools and resources available to stay connected and up to date**
Health & Safety
The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific Work Conditions and Physical Requirements of this role.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties - At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviors or unsafe acts.
Code of Ethics
IMI requires the highest standard of ethics in all business dealings, particularly with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees, and the authorities. In accordance with the IMI Way: Our Code of Responsible Business.
Changes to This Job Description
IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.
IMI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.