Supplier Quality Engineer - Aftertreatment

Caterpillar; Pontiac (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Health Savings Account

FSAs

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Career development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life insurance

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking an Aftertreatment Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to ensure supplier process capability, quality system robustness, and compliance for current and new Aftertreatment suppliers. You will partner with suppliers early, validate controls, and conduct structured audits and development plans across the product lifecycle.

The role collaborates with Aftertreatment SQEs, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Procurement, and Quality to ensure controls for new or modified

Job description

Career Area

Manufacturing

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.

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team that cares not just about the work we do, but also about each other. We make progress and innovation happen, helping our customers build a better, more sustainable world.

Job Summary

The Aftertreatment Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring supplier process capability, quality system robustness, and compliance for both existing and new Aftertreatment suppliers. This role focuses on prevention over containment by partnering with suppliers early, validating manufacturing and quality controls, and executing structured supplier audits and development plans.

The SQE will collaborate closely with other Aftertreatment SQEs, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Procurement, and Quality to ensure new and modified supplier processes are developed with the appropriate controls in place and that suppliers are capable of meeting safety, regulatory, quality, and delivery requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

What you will do:

• Work in a team environment to develop and implement best practices that emphasize defect prevention, reduction in variation and waste and provide for continuous improvements in meeting all customer requirements.
• Own quality performance for assigned Aftertreatment suppliers, including, escape prevention, corrective action effectiveness, and risk mitigation.
• Lead structured problem‑solving with suppliers using standard methodologies (e.g., RCCA, 8D), ensuring root cause and systemic corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
• Drive a shift from reactive containment to preventive supplier quality planning, aligned with Aftertreatment quality risk and customer pain priorities

Degree Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).

What you will have:

Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Working knowledge and understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.

Collaborating: Working knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.

Problem Solving: Working 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.

Quality Management System (QMS): Working knowledge of Quality Management System's (QMS) functions, features, and capabilities; ability to design, implement, test, and maintain Quality Management Systems to consistently meet customer requirements and regulatory compliances.

Experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supplier development in a regulated or high‑complexity product environment.

Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and corrective action methodologies.

Experience conducting or supporting supplier audits and on‑site supplier engagement.

Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

• Lead supplier onboarding activities for new Aftertreatment suppliers, including quality system assessments, APQP readiness, PPAP execution, and launch support.
• Ensure new or changed supplier processes have appropriate controls in place (PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, capability evidence) prior to production approval.
• Partner with Engineering and Procurement to assess supplier readiness for NPI, volume ramps, and design or process changes.

Top candidates will possess:

• Experience with Aftertreatment, emissions‑related products, or similarly regulated components.
• Experience supporting NPI launches and supplier onboarding.
• Familiarity with global supplier networks and cross‑regional collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders without direct authority.

Additional Information

• This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility.
• Domestic relocation provided
• Visa sponsorship is NOT provided.
• Travel: Domestic travel up to 30% - some international possible

Final Details

Please ensure you frequently sign in to your candidate home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for. https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers.

This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers

Summary Pay Range

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Health Lifestyle Programs*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
• Career Development*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates: October 30, 2026 - November 12, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.