Supplier Development Engineer

Job Description

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you are part of a global team that cares not only about the work we do but also about each other. We are makers, problem solvers, and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We do more than talk about progress and innovation – we bring it to life with our customers, where we work and live.

Together, we are building a better world for everyone.

Procurement

In this position, you will provide technical expertise and leadership throughout the Cab Components supply base, executing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), implementing process controls, developing continuous quality improvement processes and procurement projects, and developing new and existing suppliers worldwide. Your goal is to ensure all products are defect‑free, comply with manufacturing specifications and legal standards, and meet Caterpillar’s supplier performance requirements.

• Work with suppliers to establish robust process controls that prevent nonconformities and defects.
• Monitor suppliers’ key manufacturing processes, capacity, and quality management systems.
• Lead or support APQP activities for new product development programs.
• Conduct audits and assessments on incoming parts to identify quality issues; develop supplier inspection plans, testing, and evaluation mechanisms.
• Research potential suppliers, assess their manufacturing environment, practices, and procedures; conduct quality control audits to ensure compliance with organizational and federal policies.
• Support suppliers in improving performance through process enhancements, implementing controls, and developing quality assurance plans.
• Generate reports on supplier quality, monitor defect rates, and identify potential flaw areas; guide suppliers to reduce defect rates.

• Establish close working relationships with suppliers and internal teams such as Supplier Quality Engineers, Logistics and Material Planning Groups, Purchasing Groups, Technical Process Stewards, APQP Leaders, and Design Engineers.
• Apply effective communication skills to transmit, receive, and interpret ideas, information, and needs accurately.
• Use problem‑solving tools and techniques to recognize, anticipate, and resolve organizational, operational, or process problems.
• Apply knowledge of process improvement to evaluate current product quality and production methods and maintain focus on continuous improvement.
• Exercise quality orientation by applying quality management methods, tools, and techniques to support the organization’s quality goals.
• Apply supplier management knowledge to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering.
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing and QCLDM/TCO.
• Engineering or manufacturing background with familiarity in manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies for Caterpillar‑type products.
• Experience in lean Six Sigma practices to evaluate supply base performance, decide on actions, and begin implementation.
• Strong negotiation skills, able to interpret, analyze, and negotiate contractual cost elements.
• Good interpersonal communication, analytical, leadership, and project management skills to build cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Quality engineering certification.
• Capability to use and demonstrate statistical and problem‑solving tools.
• Understanding of third‑party registration standards.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.

• Work location:
  
  NC – Clayton – Machine Development Center
• Domestic relocation assistance available.
• Visa sponsorship not available.
• Travel: 25% domestic and international.
• Position requires five days per week in the office (Monday–Friday).

$ – $

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (vacation, holidays, volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plan*
• 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
• Benefits also apply to part‑time employees

May 22, 2026 – June 4, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.