Supplier Development Engineer

Overview

Career Area: Procurement

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

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.

Job Title: Supplier Development Engineer

Salary: £57,700 to £72,000 (based on skills)

Contract: Full time & permanent

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

We are looking for a proactive Supplier Development Engineer to ensure supplier‑provided components consistently meet Caterpillar’s engineering specifications, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements. You focus on supplier audits, capability assessment, and driving improvements across the regional supply base, particularly within the operator environment for Cabs.

You will work directly with suppliers to strengthen their processes, enhance quality outcomes, and support alignment with Caterpillar standards. This includes leading problem‑solving activities, implementing effective process controls, and reducing defect rates through clear communication and collaborative supplier engagement.

As a Supplier Development Engineer
, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

• Assess supplier components against engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards, using appropriate inspection and evaluation methods to identify risks early.
• Conduct structured on‑site supplier audits to review manufacturing practices, process controls, and quality systems, confirming compliance with Caterpillar requirements and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Analyse supplier performance and defect trends, producing concise reports that support data‑driven decisions and guide suppliers towards higher levels of capability and stability.
• Support suppliers in implementing corrective and preventative actions, improving process capability, and developing robust quality assurance plans that deliver sustainable improvements.
• Lead structured problem‑solving activities using recognised tools to identify root causes and implement permanent solutions, ensuring learning is shared across teams and suppliers.
• Interpret engineering prints, electrical and hydraulic schematics, and technical information to assess capability, validate audit findings, and support effective quality decisions, particularly within electrical assembly or paint.

Level: Working Knowledge

• Effective Communications: Communicates clearly and professionally with suppliers and internal teams, adapting style for both technical and non‑technical audiences. Provides constructive feedback, recognises non‑verbal cues, and presents audit findings and quality insights in a clear, concise, and actionable way.

Level: Extensive

• Problem Solving: Leads structured problem‑solving activities independently, applying recognised tools to identify root causes and implement robust corrective actions. Confident in resolving complex or high‑impact issues and embedding learning into standard practice.
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Manages PPAP submissions end‑to‑end, reviewing documentation, resolving non‑conformities, and ensuring compliance with customer and internal requirements. Guides suppliers and colleagues through PPAP expectations, submission levels, and approval processes to support successful product introduction.
• Supplier Management: Drives supplier performance by setting expectations, monitoring compliance, and addressing gaps against agreed standards and KPIs. Carries out thorough supplier audits, evaluates process capability and quality system maturity, and influences improvement while maintaining strong and accountable supplier relationships.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Knowledge of QMS requirements within a Cabs or manufacturing environment, with the ability to identify compliance gaps during audits and support suppliers…