Supplier Development Engineer

This role focuses on **end-to-end part development and quality management** for large weldments, ensuring that manufacturing standards at the supplier level meet Caterpillar’s specifications and end-customer requirements. The position plays a critical role in supporting **New Product Introduction (NPI)**, **Continuous Product Improvement (CPI)**, and **New Source Introduction (NSI)** initiatives through close collaboration with suppliers, design control engineers, value chain engineering, and procurement category teams.* Improve supplier performance by identifying capability gaps and implementing corrective actions to meet quality, cost, and delivery standards.* Assess supplier quality to ensure products are defect-free and compliant with manufacturing specifications and legal standards.* Serve as a trusted quality expert, translating Caterpillar drawing requirements and technical specifications into actionable shopfloor processes.* Train and monitor suppliers to achieve desired in-process and final product quality.* implement product supply strategies aligned with category management goals to build a competitive, world-class supply network.* Manage quality feedback loops to ensure lessons learned from defects are applied across the supply base.* Act as the single point of contact for supplier quality management, improvement, and governance through close collaboration, training, and execution.* Drive **Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE)** initiatives through cost modeling, design for manufacturability, and leveraging supplier capabilities.* Identify, audit, train, and develop suppliers by instilling Caterpillar’s quality standards throughout the supply base.* Ensure incoming supplies meet quality standards through testing and assessments; develop robust inspection and evaluation mechanisms.* Monitor supplier defect rates, generate quality reports, and guide suppliers in reducing flaws and improving performance.* Research and assess potential vendors, conduct quality control audits, and ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.* Support suppliers in performance improvement through process enhancements, control implementation, and quality assurance planning.

**Education Requirement:**

Degree or equivalent experience desired- Lead **Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)** and quality management activities from concept through **Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)**, ensuring parts are delivered at the right quality, total cost, and timeline to meet end-customer requirements. Collaborate cross-functionally with packaging, transportation, business resources, and supply chain teams to drive quality outcomes.* Identifies and documents problems with practical resolution options.* Considers stakeholder perspectives and analyzes risks and benefits.* Applies fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools effectively.* Develops alternative approaches to assess information accuracy.**Location Options:** Tucson, AZ; South Milwaukee, WI; or Mossville, IL

**Relocation Assistance:** Not available

**Work Authorization:** Sponsorship is not available for this position

**Travel Requirements:** Up to 50% travel may be required.

**Work Arrangement:** On-site, 5 days per week* Medical, dental, and vision benefits\** Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)\** 401(k) savings plans\** Health Savings Account (HSA)\** Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)\** Health Lifestyle Programs\** Employee Assistance Program\** Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts\** Career Development\** Incentive bonus\** Disability benefits* Life Insurance* Parental leave* Adoption benefits* Tuition Reimbursement #J-18808-Ljbffr