Supplier Development Engineer 3

Supplier Development Engineer 3

Job ID: 110049-1



Client: Caterpillar



Vendor: Harvey Nash



Location: Chillicothe, IL



Work Arrangement: Onsite



Contract: 24 months, with possibility of extension







Interview: Video



Candidate Location: Anywhere in the USA



Relocation: Accepted



Work Authorization: Any



Travel: 25 50% domestic and Mexico



Submission Deadline: EOD



Openings: 2+1



LinkedIn: Required Position Overview

Caterpillar is seeking an experienced Supplier Development Engineer 3 to drive supplier quality, performance, process improvement, and manufacturing excellence. The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with iron and aluminum castings and/or machined parts , along with knowledge of APQP, PPAP, supplier quality systems, and complex engineered components .

This position will work closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify capability gaps, implement corrective actions, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure suppliers consistently meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the quality of supplied components by conducting tests and assessments on incoming supplies and identifying potential quality issues.

• Develop and implement supplier inspection, testing, and evaluation mechanisms.

• Monitor supplier defect rates and identify areas that may lead to potential quality issues or product flaws.

• Generate and maintain supplier quality reports and guide suppliers in reducing defect rates.

• Research and evaluate potential suppliers, including their manufacturing environments, practices, procedures, capabilities, and quality systems.

• Conduct supplier quality audits to ensure compliance with organizational, manufacturing, and applicable federal policies and standards.

• Support suppliers in improving performance through process enhancements, process controls, corrective actions, and quality assurance plans.

• Identify supplier capability gaps and develop effective improvement strategies.

• Drive corrective and preventive actions to improve supplier quality, cost, and delivery performance.

• Review and monitor PPAP submissions and ensure compliance with applicable quality requirements.

• Develop and monitor validation procedures and PPAP execution.

• Review PPAP documentation and provide guidance or training on PPAP requirements and levels.

• Participate in supplier evaluations, certification activities, and supplier selection processes.

• Establish and maintain effective supplier relationships while addressing quality and performance discrepancies.

• Apply root-cause analysis, fact-finding, and diagnostic tools to resolve operational and process issues.

• Identify process inefficiencies and implement controls and high-impact improvements.

• Use objective data to drive decisions and eliminate non-value-added activities.

• Document lessons learned and apply them toward continuous improvement.

• Escalate systemic supplier or manufacturing issues when organizational-level resolution is required.

• Participate in the implementation and improvement of manufacturing standards, procedures, and policies.

• Perform tactical day-to-day quality activities, projects, presentations, and supplier improvement initiatives.

• Work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, or a closely related field.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering .

• Master's degree may be considered with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience .

• Associate degrees are not accepted.

• Internship experience will not be considered toward the required professional experience.

• Strong experience with iron and aluminum casting and/or machined parts and processes .

• Familiarity with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) .

• Strong understanding of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) requirements and submissions.

• Experience working in manufacturing environments involving complex engineered components .

• Experience managing supplier relationships and supplier quality systems.

• Ability to evaluate and certify suppliers using defined methods, criteria, and quality standards.

Top 3 Required Skills

1. Iron & Aluminum Casting / Machined Parts: Hands-on experience with iron and aluminum casting and/or machining processes, along with familiarity with APQP.

2. Manufacturing Environment: Experience working within manufacturing environments involving complex engineered components.

3. Supplier Quality & Management: Ability to confidently manage supplier relationships, evaluate supplier performance, and navigate supplier quality systems.

Technical Skills

• Supplier Development

• Supplier Quality Engineering

• APQP

• PPAP

• Supplier Audits

• Supplier Evaluation & Certification

• Quality Assurance

• Manufacturing Process Improvement

• Process Controls

• Root Cause Analysis

• Corrective & Preventive Actions

• Manufacturing Standards and Procedures

• Quality Systems

• Supplier Performance Management

• Iron & Aluminum Casting

• Machining Processes

• Complex Engineered Components

• Quality Metrics and Reporting

Core Competencies Effective Communication

• Communicates clearly in presentations, meetings, and written reports.

• Effectively transmits, receives, and interprets information.

• Provides constructive feedback and listens without defensiveness.

• Avoids unnecessary technical jargon when communicating with stakeholders.

• Interprets non-verbal cues to improve communication and understanding.

Problem Solving

• Recognizes, anticipates, and resolves operational and process issues.

• Identifies problems and evaluates potential resolution options.

• Considers stakeholder perspectives, risks, and benefits.

• Uses appropriate fact-finding and diagnostic tools.

• Applies structured problem-solving techniques to supplier and manufacturing challenges.

Process Improvement

• Evaluates product quality and production methods to drive continuous improvement.

• Identifies and addresses process inefficiencies.

• Implements effective process controls.

• Prioritizes high-impact improvement opportunities.

• Escalates systemic issues when necessary.

Quality Orientation

• Maintains a strong commitment to quality management practices.

• Uses objective data to support quality and supplier decisions.

• Eliminates non-value-added activities.

• Documents lessons learned and applies them to future improvements.

• Addresses root causes beyond immediate team-level issues.

PPAP Expertise

• Understands PPAP elements and submission requirements.

• Develops and monitors PPAP execution and validation procedures.

• Resolves PPAP implementation issues.

• Reviews supplier documentation for compliance.

• Provides guidance and training on PPAP levels and requirements.

Supplier Management

• Builds and maintains effective supplier relationships.

• Monitors supplier quality and performance.

• Resolves supplier discrepancies and performance issues.

• Develops supplier performance standards.

• Maintains strategic supplier partnerships.

• Manages supplier reporting and record-keeping requirements.

Supplier Evaluation & Certification

• Evaluates supplier reputation, capabilities, manufacturing practices, and product quality.

• Participates in supplier certification processes.

• Maintains appropriate supplier evaluation documentation.

• Applies defined evaluation criteria to support supplier selection and development decisions.

Education & Experience

Required Education:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.

Experience:
5+ years of relevant professional experience.

Master's Degree:
May be accepted with 3+ years of relevant experience.

Not Accepted:

• Associate degree

• Internship experience in place of professional experience

Work Environment

• Primarily an onsite office environment in Chillicothe, IL.

• Regular visits to supplier manufacturing floors are required.

• PPE will be required when visiting manufacturing facilities.

• The role requires the ability to work independently while collaborating with a team of supplier development and procurement professionals.

Team Structure

The team consists of approximately 6 members :

• 1 Agency Resource New

• 1 Buyer

• 3 Supplier Development Engineers

• 1 Solution Owner

Travel Requirements

25 50% travel required , including domestic travel within the United States and travel to Mexico .

Export Control

Export Control Requirements: Yes

Why This Role?

This position provides an opportunity to work directly with suppliers and cross-functional teams while driving meaningful improvements in supplier quality, manufacturing processes, and overall performance.

The role offers:

• Exposure to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Opportunities for professional learning and development.

• Hands-on supplier development and quality experience.

• The opportunity to drive strategic and tactical process improvements.

• Experience working with complex engineered components and manufacturing processes.

• Opportunities to strengthen expertise in supplier management, APQP, PPAP, and quality systems.

• Support and resources for continued professional growth.

Why Caterpillar?

Caterpillar offers the opportunity to contribute to products and solutions that have a global impact. With operations across numerous locations worldwide, employees have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, work on meaningful projects, develop their expertise, and build a long-term career while contributing to work that matters.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a Supplier Development Engineer / Supplier Quality Engineer / Manufacturing Quality Engineer with 5+ years of experience , a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, and strong hands-on experience with iron and aluminum castings and/or machined components .

Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, supplier audits, supplier evaluation, manufacturing processes, quality systems, corrective actions, and continuous improvement , along with the communication and problem-solving skills required to work directly with suppliers.

Note: Candidates must be comfortable working onsite in Chillicothe, IL and traveling approximately 25 50% , including domestic and Mexico travel.