Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Bonus target (up to 10%)

Pension scheme (Defined Contribution)

Share ownership

Flexible benefits

Employee assistance programme

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is hiring a Supplier Development Engineer in Peterlee to oversee supplier quality and compliance with manufacturing specifications. You will lead testing, audits, and improvement initiatives across the supplier base and support the Articulated Truck value stream.

The role requires a degree or equivalent experience, strong PPAP knowledge, and hands-on experience in welding, machining, assembly, or painting processes. Travel across the UK and to Europe is possible.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Experience with PPAP processes is preferred.
• Knowledge of Caterpillar technical standards is desirable.
• Experience in manufacturing processes (Welding, machining, assembly, painting) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure supplier quality by testing and evaluating incoming materials and developing inspection mechanisms.
• Generate reports on supplier defects and monitor improvement opportunities to reduce defects.
• Conduct supplier quality audits to ensure compliance with organizational policies and standards.
• Support suppliers in implementing process controls and quality assurance plans.
• Support the Articulated Truck value stream with quality-focused improvements.

Skills

Effective Communications

Problem Solving

Process Improvement

Quality Orientation

PPAP Knowledge

Manufacturing Standards

Supplier Management

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’rejoining 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’tjust 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

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £49,519 - £61,899

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Hours : Full-Time – 36.50 - 4.5 days in office

Travel: Up to 35% (Across the UK with some travel to Europe)

Job Reference : R0000390536

The Opportunity

Here at Caterpillar Peterlee were hiring a Supplier Development Engineer. In this role you will assess the supplier quality and ensures that all the products are free from defects and are in compliance with manufacturing specifications and legal standards within the Fabrication product category.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring the quality of supplies by conducting tests and assessments on incoming supplies to identify any quality issues; Developing supplier inspection, testing, and evaluation mechanism.
• 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.
• Researching the potential vendors, assessing their manufacturing environment, practices, and procedures; Conducting supplier quality control audits to ensure compliance with organizational and federal policies and standards.
• Supporting suppliers in improving their performance through process enhancements, implementing process controls, and developing quality assurance plans.
• You will be supporting the Articulated Truck value stream

Degree Requirement

Degree or equivalent experience desired

What Skills 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.

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.

Process Improvement: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Top Candidates Will have:

• Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Experience with Caterpillar’s technical standards
• Experience with manufacturing processes (Welding, machining, Assembly, Painting, Etc..)

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

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

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)
• Personalised flexible benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free onsite parking

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 arecommitted 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.

Posting Dates:

September 2, 2026 - September 13, 2026

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