Supplier Development Engineer

Career Area: Procurement 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. Job Purpose: Identify, Align and establish a world-class supply base in the India region to maximize Quality, Cost, Logistics, Delivery, and Management (QCLDM) within the supply network. In addition, implement well-documented continuous quality improvement process and robust process controls at work. Ensure our supply base able to meet corporate and business unit requirements of SER (Supplier Excellence Recognition) certification levels and customer requirements for quality, cost, and delivery of purchased material. Job Description: Caterpillar India has an exciting opportunity for a Supplier Development Engineer in our Caterpillar, Thiruvallur facility. This is an exciting Strategic Sourcing role within the Drivetrain Components division for the Casting and Machining Category, focusing primarily on suppliers in the India region and on Caterpillar Production and Service facilities worldwide. Job Responsibilities are: - Supplier Evaluations and Certification: Knowledge of supplier evaluations and certification; ability to identify the methods, tools and documentation for evaluating, selecting and certifying worldclass supply base for our business. - Supplier Development & Process Establishment: Developing and fostering strong relationships with suppliers that will yield optimized and repeatable delivered quality. Also, will support suppliers in improving their performance through process enhancements, implementing process controls, and developing quality assurance plans to ensure sourced parts from suppliers meet all the quality requirements for the numerous sourcing projects. - Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Knowledge of Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP) elements, submissions, and objectives; ability to determine whether a supplier can manufacture products that meet the quality requirements and standards of their customers consistently. - Coordination & Collaboration: Coordinate with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), New Source Introduction (NSI), Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) teams; prove design to production, engineering changes, deviations, supplier designs, specification approvals, meeting cost reduction goals, and participates in the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) process with suppliers manufacturing processes. - Problem Solving: 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. - Supports and participates in BIQ, LEAN initiatives with facilities, category teams, and suppliers. The incumbent will collaborate with Buyers to improve supplier cost, quality, and throughput. What You Have (Basic Qualifications): Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Production / Industrial Engineering or Equivalent Qualification in Engineering Work Experience: Minimum of 10 ~ 15 years, primarily on Casting, Machining & Inspection, and adequate knowledge of Foundry & Machining process, Heat Treatment, etc., Strong on Machining GD&T, Machining Processes and CMM Inspection etc.,. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling effective collaboration with internal teams, stakeholders, and suppliers. Top Candidates Will Have: • Strong leadership ability to influence cross-functional teams for effective planning & implementation. • Well-developed interpersonal skills in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions. • Proficiency in data-driven decision making, with a demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data to inform strategic decisions. • 6 Sigma experience with tools, techniques and/or Lean Manufacturing preferred but not essential. Additional information: • Work location - Thiruvallur • Percentage of travel – 50% Plus Additional information: This job requires 5 working days from office. This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Posting Dates: September 11, 2026 - September 25, 2026 Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .