Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supplier Development Engineer manages the quality, development, and validation of machining suppliers and identifies and develops new suppliers using Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Collaborative Product and Process Development (CPPD). The role leads problem-solving initiatives related to quality issues and drives continuous improvement. It also supports source council deliverables, including capacity planning, data analysis, and implementation of countermeasures. The position is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy Procurement organization, which develops suppliers that deliver operational excellence and supports predictable supply, total cost of ownership, supplier relationship management, and lifecycle sourcing strategy. The role is on-site five days a week in Decatur or East Peoria, Building KK, and involves expected travel of up to 40%.

Requirements

Knowledge of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques, including the ability to transmit, receive, and accurately interpret information.
Working knowledge of problem-solving approaches and tools, including documenting problems and alternatives, considering stakeholder perspectives, assessing information, evaluating risks and benefits, and using fact-finding and diagnostic tools.
Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques, including using objective criteria and data, addressing root causes, and documenting quality learnings.
Extensive experience in supplier management for manufacturing, including monitoring supplier performance, resolving discrepancies, developing supplier quality standards and controls, building supplier partnerships, and fulfilling reporting and record-keeping requirements.
Ability to travel up to 40%.
Ability to work on-site five days per week.

Responsibilities

Conduct tests and assessments on incoming supplies to identify quality issues.
Develop supplier inspection, testing, and evaluation mechanisms.
Monitor supplier defect rates, identify potential flaws, generate quality reports, and guide suppliers in reducing defect rates.
Research potential vendors and assess their manufacturing environments, practices, and procedures.
Conduct supplier quality-control audits to ensure compliance with organizational and federal policies and standards.
Support suppliers in improving performance through process enhancements, process controls, and quality assurance plans.
Lead problem-solving initiatives related to quality issues and drive continuous improvement efforts.
Support source council deliverables, including capacity planning, data analysis, and implementation of countermeasures.
Monitor supplier performance, resolve discrepancies, develop supplier quality standards and controls, and maintain supplier partnerships and required records.