Site Supplier Development Engineer

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. Together, we are building a better world.

We are seeking an experienced Site Supplier Development Engineer to ensure that supplier‐provided components consistently meet Caterpillar’s engineering specifications, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements. In this role, you will be the first line of escalation when defects, deviations, or non‐conformances occur, rapidly driving containment, root‐cause analysis, corrective actions, and long‐term prevention.

You will work directly with all suppliers supporting the Desford facility, strengthening their processes, improving quality outcomes, and ensuring alignment with Caterpillar standards. Your work with the global Purchasing Category teams will focus on implementing effective improvement plans, process controls, reducing defect rates, and building strong, collaborative relationships across the supply base.

As a Site Supplier Development Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

• Lead immediate containment actions to protect production and customers. Along with driving structured root cause investigations using tools such as: 8D / 5 Why / Ishikawa/Fishbone diagrams / DMAIC.
• Support suppliers in implementing corrective and preventative actions, improving process capability, and developing robust quality assurance plans that deliver sustainable improvements, including on site verification as necessary.
• Monitor trends in supplier quality issues (PPM, defect types, repeat issues). Lead improvement projects with chronically underperforming suppliers and support supplier audits when quality performance concerns arise.
• Assess supplier components against engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards, using appropriate inspection and evaluation methods to identify risks early.
• Review manufacturing practices, process controls, and quality systems, confirming compliance with Caterpillar requirements and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Interpret engineering prints, electrical and hydraulic schematics, and technical information to assess capability, validate audit findings, and support effective quality decisions, particularly within electrical assembly or paint.

What You Can Demonstrate:

• Effective Communications: Communicates clearly and professionally and with urgency when required with suppliers and internal teams, adapting style for both technical and non‐technical audiences.
• Problem Solving: Leads structured problem‐solving activities independently, applying recognised tools to identify root causes and implement robust corrective actions.
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Experience with PPAP submissions, able to review documentation, understand non‐conformities, and ensure compliance with customer and internal requirements.
• Supplier Management: Drives supplier performance by setting expectations, monitoring compliance, and addressing gaps against agreed standards and KPIs.

What You May Have:

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Knowledge of QMS requirements within manufacturing environment, with the ability to identify compliance gaps and support suppliers in meeting regulatory and operational expectations.
• Engineering Print & Schematic Interpretation: Confidence in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, to validate product and process suitability and support quality activities.
• AIAG Quality Tools: Knowledge of core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC).

What You Will Get:

Caterpillar 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. Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more.

Our Sustainability Commitment: Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Contract: Full Time

Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays - opportunity to buy and sell, up to 10% 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 dental, health & vision care plans, EV car lease etc.

Travel: up to 30% to include regional travel. This position requires working onsite five days a week.

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