Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar•Mossville, IL

2d•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. We are seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to support North American wire harness suppliers serving Caterpillar's Resource Industries (RI) business. In this role, you will drive supplier quality, performance, and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure suppliers consistently deliver high-quality products that meet Caterpillar's standards and customer expectations. You will collaborate closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes, resolve quality concerns, and strengthen supplier capabilities across the supply chain.

Requirements

Demonstrate the ability to build strong supplier relationships, monitor supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support quality and business objectives.
Apply engineering and manufacturing expertise to assess supplier capabilities, identify risks, and implement solutions that improve supplier performance and product quality.
Use data-driven decision making, quality tools, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve processes, eliminate defects, and strengthen supplier quality systems.
Demonstrate extensive knowledge of PPAP requirements, submission levels, validation activities, and supplier approval processes to ensure manufacturing readiness and compliance.
Identify process gaps, implement controls, and drive sustainable improvements that enhance supplier performance, manufacturing efficiency, and product quality.
Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies to investigate complex quality issues, identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective corrective actions.
Apply knowledge of manufacturing standards, procedures, and policies to ensure supplier compliance and support consistent product quality.
Communicate effectively with suppliers, engineers, manufacturing teams, and business partners to align expectations, resolve issues, and drive successful outcomes.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Supplier Development, or a related field.
Experience working with wire harness suppliers, electrical components, or related manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and statistical quality tools.
Experience leading supplier audits and manufacturing assessments.
Experience utilizing quality metrics and data analysis to drive supplier improvements.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong root cause analysis and corrective action experience.
Ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with North American wire harness suppliers to support quality and business objectives.
Monitor supplier quality performance, identify trends, and implement improvement plans to reduce defects and improve manufacturing performance.
Lead supplier assessments, audits, and evaluations to verify compliance with Caterpillar quality standards and requirements.
Support suppliers in implementing process improvements, quality controls, and preventive actions that improve product consistency and manufacturing capability.
Analyze supplier quality data and generate reports that identify performance trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Conduct root cause investigations and drive corrective actions to resolve supplier quality concerns and prevent recurrence.
Lead and support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities to ensure supplier readiness and compliance with quality requirements.
Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to support product launches and supplier development initiatives.
Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.
Support supplier certification and qualification activities to ensure suppliers meet Caterpillar standards and business expectations.