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.

The primary responsibility of a Supplier Development Engineer is to serve as the trusted advisor for assigned supply base through the following functional responsibilities: Assessing potential suppliers via on-site Quality audits, driving implementation of Lean, BIQ, & APQP, assuring production readiness through rigorous review of supplier PPAP submission, being recognized as the expert in supplier quality. What you will do:  • Collaborate with suppliers and engineering to assure proper process control standards are in place and continuously monitor key manufacturing processes for improvement opportunities. • Provide technical support during start-up activities and provide ongoing strategic support. • Review APQP documentation (e.g., Process FMEA {failure mode & effects analysis}, Process Control Plans, Gage R&R {repeatability & reproducibility}). Participate in process FMEA for suppliers’ manufacturing processes. • Generating reports on supplier quality, by monitoring their defect rates and areas that can lead to potential flaws; Guiding suppliers to reduce these defect rates. • Resolve problems between supplier and plants, suppliers, and engineering personnel, and between facilities • Research and assess potential vendors, assessing their manufacturing environment, practices, and procedures; Conducting supplier quality control audits to ensure compliance with organizational and federal policies and standards. • Coordinate with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) teams; prove design to production, engineering changes, deviations, supplier designs, specification approvals • Supporting suppliers in improving their performance through process enhancements, implementing process controls, and developing quality assurance plans. Degree Requirements Bachelor’s degree related to Quality / Manufacturing / Engineering. Advanced English-speaking level is required. What You Have – Skills and Experiences Effective Communications: Extensive Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques Effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; Apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations. Process Improvement: Extensive understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintains focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services. Knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures. Quality Orientation: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques Create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization. APQP knowledge Defect analysis experience Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Expert Knowledge of Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP) elements, submissions, and objectives Determine whether a supplier can manufacture products that meet the quality requirements and standards of their customers consistently. Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Extensive Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in