Strategic Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Clayton (NC); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a procurement professional to lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and drive process controls across the Worktools supply base. You will develop new and existing suppliers worldwide, ensuring defects are minimized and manufacturing standards are met.

The role emphasizes supplier audits, QA plans, and continuous improvement, with 25% travel and five days on-site in NC. A Lean Six Sigma background and strong negotiation skills are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering.
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing; understanding of QCLDM/TCO.
• Engineering or manufacturing background with familiarity with Caterpillar-type product manufacturing processes.
• Experience in lean six sigma practices to assess supply base performance and drive improvements.
• Strong Negotiator, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements.
• Good interpersonal communication, analytical, leadership and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with suppliers to ensure robust process controls are in place to prevent nonconformities/defects.
• Monitor supplier’s key manufacturing processes, capacity, and quality management systems.
• Lead or support APQP activities for new product development programs.
• Ensure supplier’s quality by conducting audits and assessments on incoming parts to identify any quality issues; develop supplier inspection plans, testing, and evaluation mechanisms.
• Research potential suppliers, assess their manufacturing environment, practices, and procedures; Conduct 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.
• Generating reports on supplier quality, by monitoring their defect rates and areas that can lead to potential flaws; Guide suppliers to reduce defect rates.

Skills

Relationships

Effective Communications

Problem Solving

Process Improvement

Quality Orientation

Supplier Management - MFG

Education

Bachelor’s degree (engineering preferred)

Tools

Statistical tools

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a procurement professional to lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and drive process controls across the Worktools supply base. You will develop new and existing suppliers worldwide, ensuring defects are minimized and manufacturing standards are met.

The role emphasizes supplier audits, QA plans, and continuous improvement, with 25% travel and five days on-site in NC. A Lean Six Sigma background and strong negotiation skills are valued.