Supplier Development Engineer

Supplier Development Engineer

Location:

Shrewsbury or Stafford

Contract:

12-month contract (with possibility of extension) Rate:
Up to £42.04 per hour (SG23)

Start Date:

February 2026 Working Pattern:
Onsite, full time Travel: UK & Europe (2-3 times per month) About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) to join a small, highly skilled team supporting our clients European supplier network. This role plays a critical part in ensuring suppliers deliver world-class quality, on time and defect-free, to facilities across the globe.

You will act as the key link between suppliers and our clients manufacturing sites, working hands-on with suppliers to improve processes, close quality gaps, and support both new and legacy product introductions.

Key Responsibilities Act as the primary interface between suppliers and Caterpillar facilities Develop strong supplier relationships and proactively drive quality improvements Conduct supplier process and quality audits to ensure robust controls are in place Support suppliers with APQP, CPPD, PPAP, and NPI activities from design concept through full product life cycle (cradle to grave) Review supplier proposals for new product introductions and challenge processes to ensure due diligence Manage daily quality issues at part number level, facilitating root cause analysis and 8D closure Lead and review PFMEA, Control Plans, Gage R&R , and other APQP documentation Ensure timely completion and approval of PPAP prior to delivery of new parts Monitor and challenge supplier capacity data, including RCCP and OEE Coordinate supplier improvement plans where quality performance is below expectations Perform supplier QMS audits and Supplier Evaluation Surveys (SES), including new supplier assessments Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities in collaboration with Inspection teams Deploy Lean principles to drive built-in quality across the supplier network Participate in Supplier Performance Management Reviews and regular supplier meetings Essential Skills & Experience 3-5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment Experience in foundry and/or machining environments (preferred) Strong understanding of engineering drawings and specifications Hands-on experience with metrology equipment and quality standards Proven experience with root cause analysis (5 Whys, 8D) Excellent communication skills - able to engage from shop floor to senior leadership Strong written English skills with the ability to produce clear, detailed reports Comfortable working in demanding industrial environments, with strong safety awareness Highly Desirable APQP and PPAP experience Experience participating in or leading PFMEA activities Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles Additional Information

Working hours:

Shrewsbury: 37.5 hours per week Stafford: 37 hours per week Core hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:00-16:45, Friday 8:00-12:30 One-stage interview process (Teams, STAR-based)