Product Procurement Engineer

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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. As a Product Procurement Engineer, you will manage part development and quality feedback loops for New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and New Source Introduction (NSI) related activities by collaborating with suppliers, design control engineers, value chain engineering, and procurement category teams.

Requirements

Data-Driven Decision Making Applies structured data analysis to support sourcing decisions and supplier evaluations. Identifies relevant KPIs and metrics to guide commodity strategy and supplier performance. Distinguishes actionable insights from noise when reviewing supplier or quality data.
Analytical Thinking Breaks down sourcing or quality issues to identify root causes and propose viable solutions. Uses structured tools (e.g., Pareto charts, fishbone diagrams) to analyze supplier performance or part quality trends. Compares multiple sourcing options or supplier proposals to support category alignment.
Effective Communication Clearly explains sourcing constraints and engineering requirements to cross-functional teams. Delivers constructive feedback to suppliers and internal stakeholders while maintaining strong relationships. Tailors communication style to audience—avoiding jargon when working with non-technical partners.
Interpersonal Relationships Builds strong working relationships with Category and Engineering teams from day one. Collaborates across departments to align on sourcing strategies and resolve conflicts. Demonstrates empathy and flexibility when navigating competing priorities or supplier challenges.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Supply Chain, Site Quality, or Category Procurement, ideally with exposure to LTTT components or related manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with CAT Quality Systems and working knowledge of external supplier management practices.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Category and Engineering teams, building strong relationships from day one.
Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflict constructively, especially in sourcing or engineering constraint scenarios.
Exposure to leadership roles or initiatives, showing readiness to influence and align with broader business goals.

Responsibilities

Managing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Cost management related activities from concept to PPAP to deliver parts at the right quality, total cost, and meet timelines. They accomplish this through collaboration with various functional areas like packaging, transportation, business resources, supply chain, etc,.
Implementing product supply strategies aligned with the category management supply strategies that will create a competitive advantage for our customers by developing, optimizing, and integrating a world-class supply network.
Managing the quality feedback loops to ensure lessons learned on quality defects are applied across the supply base.
Driving Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) through cost modeling, design for manufacturability, and leveraging suppliers’ capabilities.