Supplier Development Engineer

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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.

We are seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to support North American wire harness suppliers serving Caterpillar's Resource Industries (RI) business. In this role, you will drive supplier quality, performance, and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure suppliers consistently deliver high-quality products that meet Caterpillar's standards and customer expectations. You will collaborate closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes, resolve quality concerns, and strengthen supplier capabilities across the supply chain.

Why This Role Is Impactful:

Drive Supplier Excellence

Partner with strategic suppliers to improve quality performance, reduce defects, and implement sustainable manufacturing improvements that enhance customer satisfaction.

Strengthen Supplier Partnerships

Build collaborative relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on quality expectations, production goals, and long-term business objectives.

Lead Continuous Improvement

Apply quality tools, data analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify opportunities for improvement and drive measurable supplier performance gains.

Support Product and Manufacturing Success

Influence supplier readiness and manufacturing capability by supporting product launches, validation activities, and supplier development initiatives that contribute to Caterpillar's success.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with North American wire harness suppliers to support quality and business objectives.

• Monitor supplier quality performance, identify trends, and implement improvement plans to reduce defects and improve manufacturing performance.

• Lead supplier assessments, audits, and evaluations to verify compliance with Caterpillar quality standards and requirements.

• Support suppliers in implementing process improvements, quality controls, and preventive actions that improve product consistency and manufacturing capability.

• Analyze supplier quality data and generate reports that identify performance trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Conduct root cause investigations and drive corrective actions to resolve supplier quality concerns and prevent recurrence.

• Lead and support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities to ensure supplier readiness and compliance with quality requirements.

• Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to support product launches and supplier development initiatives.

• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.

• Support supplier certification and qualification activities to ensure suppliers meet Caterpillar standards and business expectations.

What Skills You Will Have:

Supplier Management Demonstrate the ability to build strong supplier relationships, monitor supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support quality and business objectives.

Technical Excellence Apply engineering and manufacturing expertise to assess supplier capabilities, identify risks, and implement solutions that improve supplier performance and product quality.

Quality Orientation Use data-driven decision making, quality tools, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve processes, eliminate defects, and strengthen supplier quality systems.

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) Demonstrate extensive knowledge of PPAP requirements, submission levels, validation activities, and supplier approval processes to ensure manufacturing readiness and compliance.

Process Improvement Identify process gaps, implement controls, and drive sustainable improvements that enhance supplier performance, manufacturing efficiency, and product quality.

Problem Solving Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies to investigate complex quality issues, identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective corrective actions.

Manufacturing Standards and Compliance Apply knowledge of manufacturing standards, procedures, and policies to ensure supplier compliance and support consistent product quality.

Effective Communication Communicate effectively with suppliers, engineers, manufacturing teams, and business partners to align expectations, resolve issues, and drive successful outcomes.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

• Experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Supplier Development, or a related field.

• Experience working with wire harness suppliers, electrical components, or related manufacturing processes.

• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and statistical quality tools.

• Experience leading supplier audits and manufacturing assessments.

• Experience utilizing quality metrics and data analysis to drive supplier improvements.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong root cause analysis and corrective action experience.

• Ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Additional Information:

• Primary work location: Mossville, IL (on site full time at a Caterpillar facility)

• Travel requirements: Up to 25% domestic travel to supplier locations

• Domestic relocation assistance: Not Available

• Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not available for this position.

Posting Dates: 09/11/2026 - 09/18/2026

Summary Pay Range:

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:

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.

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