Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.

. Manage the quality, development, and validation of machining suppliers .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeEast Peoria • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $97,530 - $146,290 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in supplier quality management, including the development and validation of machining suppliers, problem-solving initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts. Proficient in quality management methods and tools, with a strong focus on data analysis and effective communication.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supplier Quality ManagementAPQP and CPPDQuality Management MethodsData AnalysisSupplier Audits

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quality Management MethodsData AnalysisSupplier Quality ControlProblem-Solving TechniquesRisk AnalysisSupplier Performance MonitoringInspection and Testing MechanismsContinuous ImprovementCountermeasures ImplementationSupplier Relationship Management

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationProblem Recognition and ResolutionInterpersonal SkillsAnalytical ThinkingCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Machining SuppliersQuality Assurance PlansSupplier PartnershipsCompliance StandardsFederal Policies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the quality, development, and validation of machining suppliers
Identify and develop new suppliers using APQP and CPPD
Lead problem-solving initiatives related to quality issues
Drive continuous improvement efforts
Support source council deliverables, including capacity planning and data analysis
Implement effective countermeasures
Conduct tests and assessments on incoming supplies to identify quality issues
Develop supplier inspection, testing, and evaluation mechanisms
Generate supplier-quality reports by monitoring defect rates and potential flaw areas
Guide suppliers in reducing defect rates
Research potential vendors and assess their manufacturing environments, practices, and procedures
Conduct supplier quality-control audits for compliance with organizational and federal policies and standards
Support suppliers through process enhancements, process controls, and quality assurance plans

Requirements

What you’ll need

Knowledge of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques
Ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs
Knowledge of approaches, tools, and techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational, or process problems
Ability to identify and document specific problems and resolution alternatives
Ability to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches
Ability to use fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools
Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques
Ability to use objective quality criteria and data to drive decisions
Knowledge of processes and methods to manage supplier relationships and transactions involving raw materials or product components
Extensive experience facilitating supplier partnering arrangements, monitoring supplier performance, developing supplier quality standards and controls, and building supplier partnerships
Expected travel up to 40%
Successful completion of a drug screen
Ability to work on-site 5 days a week
Sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

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