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. 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.

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