Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.

. Serve as the trusted advisor for the assigned supply base .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeCiénega de Flores • MexicoMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Quality Management, Supplier Evaluation, and Continuous Process Improvement, with a strong focus on APQP and PPAP processes. Capable of effectively communicating and collaborating with suppliers and engineering teams to enhance production quality and operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor’s Degree in Quality / Manufacturing / EngineeringExpert Knowledge of Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP)APQP KnowledgeDefect Analysis ExperienceAmerican Society for Quality (ASQ) Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quality Management MethodsProcess Control StandardsSupplier Quality Control AuditsContinuous Process ImprovementProcess FMEAProcess Control PlansGage R&RDefect Rate ReductionSupplier EvaluationsOrganizational Standards

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationProblem SolvingCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certification

Industry Keywords

LeanBIQAPQPPPAPMachiningMetal FormingWeldingPaintCleanlinessPart Preservation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the trusted advisor for the assigned supply base
Assess potential suppliers via on-site Quality audits
Drive implementation of Lean, BIQ, and APQP
Assure production readiness through rigorous review of supplier PPAP submissions
Collaborate with suppliers and engineering to establish and monitor process control standards
Provide technical support during start-up activities and ongoing strategic support
Review APQP documentation, including Process FMEA, Process Control Plans, and Gage R&R
Generate reports on supplier quality and guide suppliers to reduce defect rates
Resolve problems between suppliers, plants, engineering personnel, and facilities
Research and assess potential vendors and conduct supplier quality control audits
Coordinate with engineering personnel on CPPD, NPI, and CPI teams, including design-to-production, engineering changes, deviations, supplier designs, and specification approvals
Support suppliers through process enhancements, process controls, and quality assurance plans

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree related to Quality / Manufacturing / Engineering
Advanced English-speaking level is required
Extensive understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques
Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems
Extensive understanding of evaluating current product quality and production methods and continuous process improvement
Knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures
Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques
APQP knowledge
Defect analysis experience
Expert knowledge of Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP) elements, submissions, and objectives
Extensive knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities
Machining / Metal Forming / Welding / Paint / Cleanliness / Part Preservation experience
Extensive knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components
Expert knowledge of supplier evaluations and certification
American Society for Quality (ASQ) certification is a top-candidate qualification
Travel is likely up to 25%
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Domestic Relocation assistance is Available for this position
Full time position with great benefits