Supplier Quality Engineer - Aftertreatment

Caterpillar Inc.•Pontiac, IL

8d•$97,530 - $146,290•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 defect prevention by engaging 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 role owns quality performance for assigned suppliers, leads structured problem-solving and corrective actions, supports supplier onboarding and production approval, and partners with internal teams on supplier readiness for launches, production ramps, and changes. This position is based on-site five days a week at Caterpillar’s Pontiac, Illinois facility. Domestic travel may be up to 30%, with some international travel possible. Domestic relocation is available; visa sponsorship is not provided. The salary range is $97,530 to $146,290.

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, including completing tasks with precision.
Working knowledge of collaborative techniques and ability to work constructively with a variety of individuals and groups.
Working knowledge of problem-solving approaches, tools, and techniques, with the ability to apply them to diverse situations.
Working knowledge of Quality Management System functions, features, and capabilities, including the ability to design, implement, test, and maintain systems that meet customer requirements and regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of project management strategies and tactics, including planning, organizing, monitoring, and controlling projects and resources.
Ability to work on-site five days a week at the Pontiac, Illinois facility.
Ability to travel domestically up to 30%; some international travel is possible.

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

Develop and implement team best practices emphasizing defect prevention, variation and waste reduction, continuous improvement, and 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 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 PFMEAs, 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.