Supplier Quality Engineer - Aftertreatment

Caterpillar•Pontiac, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aftertreatment Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring supplier process capability, quality system robustness, and compliance for existing and new Aftertreatment suppliers. The role emphasizes prevention by partnering with suppliers early, validating manufacturing and quality controls, and conducting structured supplier audits and development plans. The engineer collaborates with other Aftertreatment Supplier Quality Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Procurement, and Quality to ensure new and modified supplier processes have appropriate controls and can meet safety, regulatory, quality, and delivery requirements throughout the product lifecycle. The position owns quality performance for assigned suppliers, leads structured problem-solving and corrective action, and drives preventive supplier quality planning. It also leads supplier onboarding, supports APQP readiness and PPAP execution, and partners with Engineering and Procurement on supplier readiness for new product introduction, volume ramps, and design or process changes. The role is based on-site five days a week at the Pontiac, Illinois facility, with domestic travel up to 30% and some possible international travel. Domestic relocation is available; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
Experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supplier development in a regulated or high-complexity product environment.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and corrective action methodologies.
Experience conducting or supporting supplier audits and on-site supplier engagement.
Working knowledge of accuracy and attention to detail, collaborative techniques, problem-solving approaches, and Quality Management Systems.
Knowledge of project management strategies and tactics, including planning, organizing, monitoring, and controlling projects.
Ability to complete tasks with high precision, collaborate constructively with varied individuals and groups, and apply problem-solving approaches to diverse situations.
Ability to design, implement, test, and maintain Quality Management Systems that meet customer requirements and regulatory compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Aftertreatment, emissions-related products, or similarly regulated components.
Experience supporting NPI launches and supplier onboarding.
Familiarity with global supplier networks and cross-regional collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders without direct authority.

Responsibilities

Work in a team environment to develop and implement best practices that emphasize defect prevention, variation and waste reduction, and continuous improvement in meeting customer requirements.
Own quality performance for assigned Aftertreatment suppliers, including escape prevention, corrective action effectiveness, and risk mitigation.
Lead structured supplier problem-solving using methodologies such as RCCA and 8D, ensuring root causes and systemic corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
Drive a shift from reactive containment to preventive supplier quality planning aligned with Aftertreatment quality risks and customer priorities.
Lead supplier onboarding for new Aftertreatment suppliers, including quality system assessments, APQP readiness, PPAP execution, and launch support.
Ensure new or changed supplier processes have appropriate controls, including PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and capability evidence, before production approval.
Partner with Engineering and Procurement to assess supplier readiness for NPI, volume ramps, and design or process changes.
Conduct or support supplier audits and on-site supplier engagement.