Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Bonus up to 12%

Pension scheme – Caterpillar matches

Share scheme – Caterpillar matches 50%

Flexible benefits: health & dental, EV

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in the UK is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to lead quality and process initiatives across the supplier base in APQP, PPAP and continuous improvement.

The role requires on-site presence and collaboration with manufacturing teams to ensure readiness for New Product Introductions. You will assess supplier quality systems, drive PPAP and FMEA activities, conduct audits, and deliver improvements through Lean methods.

Qualifications

• Experience applying 8D or structured problem-solving in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to implement APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans and GR&R.
• Knowledge of PPAP elements, submissions, objectives and customer requirements.
• Understanding of LEAN principles and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Assess and develop supplier quality management systems and readiness.
• Lead supplier quality activities for new product introduction.
• Review and approve quality documentation such as PFMEAs, control plans, MSA/Gage R&R.
• Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments.
• Manage supplier process changes and PCNs.
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement with suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance through metrics and development plans.
• Partner with suppliers to implement Lean and sustainable quality.
• Provide technical support during product launches and startup activities.

Skills

Effective communications

Problem solving

Process improvement

Quality orientation

PPAP knowledge

APQP knowledge

Reading engineering drawings

Supplier management

Supplier evaluations

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: Supplier Development Engineer

Salary starting from £57,737 (depending on level of experience)

Location: Peterborough, Stafford or Peterlee

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave,
• Up to 12% Bonus
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution Up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Supplier Development Engineer to join our team, to provide on-site assistance & leadership to Caterpillar’s supply base in the execution of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), the implementation of process control and the deployment of a continuous quality improvement processes. You will ensure that suppliers can meet corporate and business unit requirements for certification and quality of purchased material.

What You Will Do

Working with suppliers to ensure that robust process controls are in place to prevent nonconformities, to continuously monitor supplier’s key manufacturing processes and quality management system for improvement opportunities and to assist suppliers with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities to ensure production readiness for New Product Introduction (NPI).

• Assess and develop supplier quality management systems, process capability, and manufacturing readiness, including people, training, tooling, and equipment.
• Lead supplier quality activities for new product introduction, ensuring APQP and PPAP requirements are completed and approved.
• Review and approve quality documentation, including PFMEAs, Control Plans, MSA/Gage R&R, and corrective action plans.
• Conduct supplier audits, capability assessments, and evaluations to verify compliance, process control, and quality standards.
• Manage supplier process changes and ensure timely implementation of Process Change Notifications (PCNs).
• Support suppliers in resolving quality issues through robust root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive supplier performance improvements through quality metrics, performance reviews, and targeted development plans.
• Partner with suppliers to implement Lean principles and build sustainable quality excellence across the supply base.
• Provide technical support during product launches and manufacturing start-up activities.

What You Will Have

Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Level Working Knowledge:
Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Level Extensive Experience:

• Experience of applying 8D process or other structured problem-solving techniques in a manufacturing environment

Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to remains focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.
Level Extensive Experience:

Quality Orientation: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques; ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.
Level Extensive Experience:

• Experience driving quality standards and process compliance across engineering supplier networks to ensure consistent delivery and performance.

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Knowledge of Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP) elements, submissions, and objectives; ability to determine whether a supplier can manufacture products that meet the quality requirements and standards of their customers consistently.
Level Extensive Experience:

• Sound knowledge and demonstrated experience of APQP, including the PPAP process, FMEA’s, control plans, process flow, GR&R, and capability studies.

Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance.
Level Extensive Experience:

• Ability to read engineering drawings

Supplier Manufacturing Management: 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.
Level Extensive Experience:

Supplier Evaluations and Certification: Knowledge of supplier evaluations and certification; ability to identify the methods, tools and documentation for evaluating, selecting and certifying vendors, suppliers and partners.
Level Extensive Experience:

Top Candidates will demonstrate

• Experience working with suppliers.
• Project management experience.
• Material metallurgical experience
• Experience of working with high volume electronic manufactures
• Measurement techniques

Additional information

• When not travelling to supplier facilities, you will be based in the office full time.
• This role can be based from Peterborough, Stafford or Peterlee

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 over 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.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined. Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates:

August 14, 2026 - August 30, 2026

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