Site Supplier Development Engineer in Desford

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead immediate containment actions to protect production and customers and drive structured root cause investigations using tools such as 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone diagrams and 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 with suppliers and internal teams, adapting style for both technical and non‑technical audiences. Provides constructive feedback, recognises non‑verbal cues, and presents audit findings and quality insights in a clear, concise, and actionable way.
• Problem Solving: Leads structured problem‑solving activities independently, applying recognised tools to identify root causes and implement robust corrective actions. Confident in resolving complex or high‑impact issues and embedding learning into standard practice.
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Experience with PPAP submissions, able to review documentation, understand non‑conformities, and ensure compliance with customer and internal requirements. Understands PPAP expectations, submission levels, and approval processes to support successful product introduction and continued conformity.
• Supplier Management: Drives supplier performance by setting expectations, monitoring compliance, and addressing gaps against agreed standards and KPIs. Evaluates process capability and quality system maturity, and influences improvement while maintaining strong and accountable supplier relationships.

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).

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays;
• opportunity to buy and sell shares;
• 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.