Supplier Development Engineer

Career Area:

Procurement

Job Description:

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.

Job Summary:

The Supplier Development Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of Caterpillar’s global supply base. This position is responsible for evaluating and developing suppliers to meet company standards, supporting new product introductions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The role requires strong technical knowledge, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to resolve issues, manage risk, and enhance supplier capabilities in alignment with Caterpillar’s operational and strategic goals.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure alignment with Caterpillar’s quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
• Conduct supplier assessments and audits to evaluate capabilities, compliance, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Lead the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new and modified components, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve supplier-related issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and drive corrective actions when targets are not met.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities during new product introductions and engineering changes.
• Ensure suppliers adhere to Caterpillar’s manufacturing standards, procedures, and policies.
• Facilitate supplier development initiatives to improve quality systems, process capability, and overall operational efficiency.

Education requirement:

• Candidates should possess a degree or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise

What skills you will have:

Supplier Management:

• Demonstrate understanding of how to manage supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance tracking, and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with negotiating supplier terms and resolving issues to maintain productive partnerships.
• Skilled in utilizing systems and metrics to monitor supplier performance in areas such as delivery, cost, and quality.

Supplier Evaluations and Certification:

• Proficient in conducting supplier audits and assessments to ensure alignment with internal and industry standards.
• Well-versed in evaluating supplier capabilities related to manufacturing processes, quality systems, and capacity planning.
• Understanding of the documentation and procedures required for supplier certification and approval.

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP):

• Hands-on knowledge of PPAP documentation, including FMEAs, control plans, and dimensional reports.
• Capable of coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate PPAP submissions for new or modified components.
• Familiarity with integrating APQP principles into PPAP workflows during product development and launch.

Problem Solving:

• Skilled in applying structured problem-solving techniques such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and DMAIC.
• Ability to leverage data-driven methods to identify issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Knowledge in leading cross-functional teams to resolve supplier-related challenges impacting quality or delivery.

Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the East Peoria, IL office.

Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position may require up to 5% travel.

What you will get:

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage, because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual incentive bonus plan*
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
• 401k savings plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (Ex. Accident, Identity Theft Protection)

*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines.

Final details:

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media

#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

August 13, 2025 - August 22, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.