Supplier Development Engineer – Fabrication, Machined Castings

Caterpillar Inc.

. Assess and develop supplier quality to ensure products are defect-free and compliant with manufacturing specifications and legal standards .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeLafayette • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $112,710 - $169,060 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in supplier quality management, including conducting assessments, developing quality standards, and implementing process improvements. Proficient in evaluating supplier performance and ensuring compliance with manufacturing specifications and legal standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supplier Quality ManagementProcess ImprovementSupplier Evaluation and CertificationEffective Communication SkillsProblem-Solving Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quality Control AuditsAdvanced Quality Product PlanningManufacturing Standards KnowledgeDefect Rate MonitoringProcess DocumentationRoot Cause Corrective ActionsSupplier Performance MonitoringQuality Assurance PlansContinuous Improvement ProjectsSupplier Management

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

ASQ Certification

Industry Keywords

Manufacturing ComplianceSupplier PartnershipsManufacturing ProceduresFederal PoliciesProcess Controls

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assess and develop supplier quality to ensure products are defect-free and compliant with manufacturing specifications and legal standards
Conduct Advanced Quality Product Planning before production launch
Perform onsite assessments of supplier manufacturing processes and procedures
Evaluate supplier production, inspection, testing, and quality evaluation mechanisms
Document process changes
Monitor supplier defect rates and identify potential sources of flaws
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, quality assurance plans, continuous improvement projects, and root cause corrective actions
Monitor supplier performance and resolve discrepancies between performance and agreements
Develop supplier quality standards and controls
Build and maintain partnerships with multiple and/or large suppliers
Evaluate, select, and certify suppliers and vendors

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree or equivalent experience desired
Effective communication skills, including oral presentations and clear report writing
Extensive problem-solving experience
Extensive process improvement experience
Knowledge of manufacturing standards, procedures, and policies
Extensive experience in supplier management in manufacturing
Knowledge and experience with supplier evaluations and certification
Manufacturing experience is advantageous
Manufacturing engineering experience is advantageous
ASQ Certification is advantageous
Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time
Must work onsite five days a week
Relocation is not available
Candidates must attach an updated resume
Visa sponsorship is not available
Successful completion of a drug screen required for employment

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