Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Seguin, TX

About The Position

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. About IPSD Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L engines that not only power Caterpillar machines, but also power over 5000 other applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future. Role Definition As the Supplier Development Engineer, you will be responsible for the process to validate that suppliers have adequate manufacturing process & practices, organization and quality system structure to meet Caterpillar’s requirements.

Requirements

Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Level Working Knowledge: Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient. Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness. Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work. Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate. Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.
Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations. Level Working Knowledge: Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives. Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder. Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information. Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution. Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.
Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintains focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services. Level Working Knowledge: Defines the critical workflow for executing key processes. Identifies process problems that limit performance. Implements methods for improving and establishing controls for critical processes. Focuses on the most significant problems to maximize efficiency gains. Surfaces systemic problems to be addressed at the organizational level.
Quality Orientation: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques; ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization. Level Working Knowledge: Confronts root causes of problems wherever they exist. Eliminates unnecessary work and all non value-added activities. Uses objective quality criteria and data to drive decisions. Documents learnings regarding quality outcomes so that the data can be used for improvement. Surfaces quality problems whose root causes fall outside the group's responsibility. Provides feedback for improvement of procedures.
Supplier Management - MFG: Knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice. Level Extensive Experience: Facilitates supplier partnering arrangements that share risk and reward. Monitors supplier performance; works to resolve discrepancies between performance and agreements. Develops quality standards and controls for suppliers. Builds and maintains partnerships with multiple and/or large suppliers. Evaluates issues and terminates supplier relationships as appropriate; works with legal departments. Ensures the fulfillment of report and record-keeping requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous engine manufacturing experience

Responsibilities

Generating reports on supplier quality, by monitoring their defect rates and areas that can lead to potential flaws; Guiding suppliers to reduce these defect rates.
Researching the potential vendors, assessing their manufacturing environment, practices, and procedures; Conducting supplier quality control audits to ensure compliance with organizational and federal policies and standards.
Supporting suppliers in improving their performance through process enhancements, implementing process controls, and developing quality assurance plans.
Assessing potential suppliers via on-site Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management (QCLDM) audits, driving implementation of Lean, BIQ, & APQP, continuously reviewing supplier capacity, assuring production readiness through rigorous review of supplier PPAP submission, being recognized as the expert in supplier quality.