Caterpillar Inc.
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Supplier Development Engineer
role at
Caterpillar Inc.
Career Area Procurement
Job Description When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
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. You will be responsible for
driving supplier performance improvements
by identifying capability gaps and implementing corrective actions to meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations. This includes assessing supplier quality systems and ensuring all products are defect‑free and compliant with manufacturing specifications and regulatory standards.
What You Will Do
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.
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
What Skills You Will Have Effective Communication
Delivers constructive feedback focused on behavior and improvement.
Listens actively and adapts based on verbal and non‑verbal cues.
Communicates clearly in presentations and written reports.
Avoids unnecessary jargon to ensure clarity across audiences.
Problem Solving
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.
Process Improvement
Defines and improves critical workflows to enhance performance.
Identifies and addresses process inefficiencies.
Implements controls and methods for sustainable improvements.
Escalates systemic issues for broader organizational resolution.
Quality Orientation
Uses objective data to drive quality decisions and improvements.
Eliminates non‑value‑added activities and unnecessary work.
Documents learnings to support continuous improvement.
Identifies root causes of quality issues beyond team boundaries.
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
Develops and monitors PPAP procedures to meet customer standards.
Resolves issues in PPAP submissions and ensures compliance.
Reviews documentation and trains others on PPAP execution.
Builds trust across stakeholders during approval processes.
Manufacturing Standards & Procedures
Supports implementation of manufacturing policies and standards.
Explains rationale behind procedures and identifies exceptions.
Provides feedback to improve operational guidelines.
Ensures compliance within own functional area.
Supplier Management – Manufacturing
Builds and maintains partnerships with key suppliers.
Monitors performance and resolves discrepancies.
Develops supplier quality standards and controls.
Manages risk and legal considerations in supplier relationships.
Supplier Evaluation & Certification
Assists in supplier selection and certification processes.
Gathers and assesses supplier reputation and references.
Applies evaluation criteria to products and services.
Supports documentation and procedural steps for certification.
Top Candidates Will Also Have
Welding certifications such as AWS CWI or equivalent.
Additional Details Location Options:
Tucson, AZ; South Milwaukee, WI; Decatur, IL; Mossville, IL
Relocation Assistance:
Not available
Work Authorization:
Sponsorship is not available for this position
Travel Requirements:
Up to 35% travel may be required.
Work Arrangement:
On-site, 5 days per week
Summary Pay Range $95,640.00 - $143,520.00
Benefits
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
These benefits also apply to part‑time employees
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Supplier Development Engineer
role at
Caterpillar Inc.
Career Area Procurement
Job Description When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
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. You will be responsible for
driving supplier performance improvements
by identifying capability gaps and implementing corrective actions to meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations. This includes assessing supplier quality systems and ensuring all products are defect‑free and compliant with manufacturing specifications and regulatory standards.
What You Will Do
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.
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
What Skills You Will Have Effective Communication
Delivers constructive feedback focused on behavior and improvement.
Listens actively and adapts based on verbal and non‑verbal cues.
Communicates clearly in presentations and written reports.
Avoids unnecessary jargon to ensure clarity across audiences.
Problem Solving
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.
Process Improvement
Defines and improves critical workflows to enhance performance.
Identifies and addresses process inefficiencies.
Implements controls and methods for sustainable improvements.
Escalates systemic issues for broader organizational resolution.
Quality Orientation
Uses objective data to drive quality decisions and improvements.
Eliminates non‑value‑added activities and unnecessary work.
Documents learnings to support continuous improvement.
Identifies root causes of quality issues beyond team boundaries.
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
Develops and monitors PPAP procedures to meet customer standards.
Resolves issues in PPAP submissions and ensures compliance.
Reviews documentation and trains others on PPAP execution.
Builds trust across stakeholders during approval processes.
Manufacturing Standards & Procedures
Supports implementation of manufacturing policies and standards.
Explains rationale behind procedures and identifies exceptions.
Provides feedback to improve operational guidelines.
Ensures compliance within own functional area.
Supplier Management – Manufacturing
Builds and maintains partnerships with key suppliers.
Monitors performance and resolves discrepancies.
Develops supplier quality standards and controls.
Manages risk and legal considerations in supplier relationships.
Supplier Evaluation & Certification
Assists in supplier selection and certification processes.
Gathers and assesses supplier reputation and references.
Applies evaluation criteria to products and services.
Supports documentation and procedural steps for certification.
Top Candidates Will Also Have
Welding certifications such as AWS CWI or equivalent.
Additional Details Location Options:
Tucson, AZ; South Milwaukee, WI; Decatur, IL; Mossville, IL
Relocation Assistance:
Not available
Work Authorization:
Sponsorship is not available for this position
Travel Requirements:
Up to 35% travel may be required.
Work Arrangement:
On-site, 5 days per week
Summary Pay Range $95,640.00 - $143,520.00
Benefits
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
These benefits also apply to part‑time employees
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr