School to Work - Supplier Development

DESCRIPTION

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

Apply Classroom Knowledge to Real-World Challenges

You’ll bridge theory and practice by using your engineering education to support supplier development and manufacturing operations.

Strengthen Supplier Performance

By monitoring quality and delivery metrics, you’ll help ensure suppliers meet expectations—directly influencing production success.

Support Program Launches

Your involvement in APQP, PPAP, and CSI initiatives will contribute to smoother product launches and better supplier readiness.

Facilitate Cross-Functional Collaboration

You’ll act as a connector between purchasing, engineering, quality, and suppliers—enhancing communication and alignment across teams.

Drive Problem-Solving Initiatives

Using tools like 8D and 5-Why analysis, you’ll help identify root causes and implement corrective actions that improve supply chain reliability.

Contribute to Continuous Improvement

Your work will support Meritor’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence through hands-on support and process optimization.

Gain Exposure to Advanced Testing & Materials

By assisting in labs and site visits, you’ll deepen your understanding of component testing and materials science—valuable for future roles.

Deliver Strategic Insights Through Your Final Project

Presenting your internal project to leadership will showcase your contributions and provide actionable recommendations for future improvements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in the role, you will need the following -

Strong Foundation in Engineering Principles

Your academic background in mechanical or materials science engineering should equip you to understand manufacturing processes, component design, and quality systems.

Effective Communication Skills

You'll be interfacing with diverse teams—buyers, engineers, suppliers—so clear written and verbal communication is essential for collaboration and reporting.

Proficiency in Analytical Tools

Familiarity with tools like Excel, PowerPoint, and Minitab , plus methods like 8D, 5-Why, and statistical analysis , will help you contribute to problem-solving and performance tracking.

Team-Oriented Mindset

Success in this role depends on your ability to work well with others, support Supplier Development Specialists, and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.

Curiosity and Willingness to Learn

You’ll be under close supervision, so being open to feedback, asking questions, and actively learning from experienced engineers will accelerate your growth.

Understanding of Automotive Components

Knowledge of vehicular drivetrain systems and their applications will help you connect engineering theory to practical supplier and production challenges.

Organizational and Time Management Skills

Balancing lab work, site visits, meetings, and your final project requires strong planning and prioritization abilities.

Presentation and Reporting Skills

Your final internal project presentation to leadership is a key opportunity—being able to synthesize data, tell a compelling story, and offer insights will leave a lasting impression.

QUALIFICATIONS

Overview:

• Cooperative Education Student who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering, other equivalent engineering degrees will be considered

• The student works in support of the Supplier Development department by applying knowledge from academic studies

• This person will interface with purchasing, program managers, project engineers, quality engineering, test labs, materials labs, production manufacturing facilities, several internal engineering groups, and supplier personnel

• The Co-op Student works under close supervision of Supplier Development Specialists and Engineers to learn about aspects of development of Meritor’s supply base, production quality, and manufacturing processes, which they can apply in their careers after graduation

Responsibilities

Principal Responsibilities:

• Support Supplier Development personnel with program launch and supplier-related activities such as Program meetings, Technical Review meetings, APQP, PPAP, and Chronic Supplier Improvement (CSI) initiative activities

• Monitor key suppliers for quality and delivery performance

• Facilitate communication as required between the program managers, buyers, quality, engineering and supplier development personnel as it relates to supplier readiness for program launches

• Assist in trouble shooting and problem solving with the North American supply base using tools such as 8D corrective action, 5-Why analysis and statistical methods

• Supplier/ Meritor site visits as needed

Provide hands-on support of component test and/or development in the materials laboratory as required

• Complete and present an internal project at the end of the co-op term to the Procurement Leadership Team

Core Competencies

• Builds Team Orientation
• Creates Change (Relentlessly Innovates & Improves)
• Emphasizes Customer Focus
• Promotes Core Values
• Promotes Organizational Learning

Qualifications

Education / Experience:

• Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering

• Demonstrated capability and knowledge of basic mathematics, sciences, and engineering principles

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, skills in PowerPoint, Excel, Mini Tab preferred

• Understanding of vehicular drive train components and their application

Education

•

• Bachelor's Level Degree

Areas of Study

•

• Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering desired, other equivalent engineering programs will be considered

Job Quality

Organization Cummins Inc.

Role Category Hybrid

Job Type Student - School To Work

Min Salary $17.6

Max Salary $25.3

Application End Date 23-DEC-2025

ReqID 2419913

Relocation Package Yes

Cummins and E-Verify

At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates the right to work using E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Visit http://EEOC.gov to know your rights on workplace discrimination.