Project Quality Engineer

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Up to 10% Bonus target

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

Share Ownership Scheme

Medical & Dental

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Caterpillar Peterlee in County Durham is seeking a Project Quality Engineer to lead supplier quality initiatives and drive continuous improvement across NPI, CPI and NSI programmes. You will manage project plans, coordinate cross‑functional teams, support supplier selection, and oversee APQP through PPAP to ensure parts meet quality, cost and delivery targets.

Degree or equivalent experience is required; strong data‑driven analysis, stakeholder management and procurement skills are essential,

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans, milestones, budgets, and resources.
• Coordinate cross-functional Caterpillar teams, including Supply Chain, Production, Quality Engineering, Logistics, and Category Procurement.
• Work with buyers and suppliers to obtain quotations, agree contracts, and support supplier selection.
• Manage multiple projects and ensure supply risks and concerns are addressed effectively.
• Support APQP projects from concept through PPAP, ensuring parts meet quality, total cost, and delivery targets.
• Implement product supply strategies aligned with category management objectives to build an integrated supply network.

Skills

Data-driven decision making

Supplier management

Supply chain management

Analytical thinking

Cost-benefit analysis

Interpersonal relationships

Project management

Procurement processes

APQP/PPAP knowledge

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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.

Job Title: Project Quality Engineer

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £49,519 - £61,899

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Hours: Full-Time

Travel: Up to 20%

About Caterpillar Peterlee

Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat® Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates. The facility's manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotic technology and automated dump body paint plant. Machines from our site are shipped to customers around the world.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will bring experience in supplier quality, manufacturing processes, continuous improvement, and component manufacturing environments. They will be instrumental in the implementation of supplier quality activities across New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and New Source Introduction (NSI) programmes.

Working with suppliers and cross-functional teams, you will manage project plans and resources, support sourcing and supplier selection, support APQP projects through to PPAP, implement supply strategies, apply quality lessons across the supply base, and address project and supply risks to achieve quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage project plans, milestones, budgets, and resources. Work with Design Engineering, Operations, and Manufacturing Engineering to support technical requirements.

• Coordinate cross-functional Caterpillar teams, including Supply Chain, Production, Quality Engineering, Logistics, and Category Procurement.

• Work with buyers and suppliers to obtain quotations, agree contracts, and support supplier selection.

• Manage multiple projects and ensure supply risks and concerns are addressed effectively.

• Support APQP projects from concept through PPAP, ensuring parts meet quality, total cost, and delivery targets through collaboration with Packaging, Transportation, Business Resources, Supply Chain, and other functions.

• Implement product supply strategies aligned with category management objectives to build an integrated, world-class supply network and strengthen customer competitiveness.

Degree Requirement

Degree or equivalent experience desired

Skills, experience & qualifications you will have:

Data-driven Decision Making:

Knowledge of the data-driven decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to gather and analyze data to make organizational decisions that align with strategic business objectives and goals.

Supplier Management - MFG:

Knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice.

Supply Chain Management:

Knowledge of functions, principles and techniques used in supply chain management; ability to develop and implement strategies, practices and tools for controlling the whole processes.

Analytical Thinking:

Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

Knowledge of the principles and tools used in cost-benefit analysis; ability to analyze the purpose and scope of a producer, product, process, or project in terms of cost and benefits.

Interpersonal Relationships:

Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.

Top Candidates will have

• Proven experience in Project Management, with the ability to coordinate activities, manage timelines, and drive successful project delivery.

• Experience working with Supplier Quality processes and collaborating with suppliers to ensure quality standards and performance expectations are met.

• Knowledge of Procurement processes, including supplier engagement, sourcing, and supply chain collaboration.

• Familiarity with product and process quality methodologies such as Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is highly desirable.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays including additional service days awarded every 2 years up to a maximum of 5 days.

• Up to 10% Bonus target

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (Contribution double by Company up to 10%),

• Share Ownership Scheme (50% company matched)

• Personalized flexible benefits such as Medical & Dental.

• Employee Assistance Programme

What You Will Get

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse, and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, and personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply