Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar Caterpillar · Industrial · Rayong, Thailand

Supplier Development Engineer role focused on driving supplier quality performance for fabrication and metal suppliers, involving audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Requires expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and supplier audits within manufacturing environments.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead Supplier Quality Management (SQM) activities across fabrication and metal component suppliers
  2. Perform supplier audits, process validation, and qualification aligned with ISO9001 / IATF16949
  3. Drive Supplier Development programs to improve capability, yield, and process stability
  4. Conduct APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Control Plan reviews for new and existing suppliers
  5. Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (8D, CAPA) for supplier issues

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field)
  • 3–8+ years in Supplier Development Engineering OR Procurement Quality, OR Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE)
  • Strong expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA
  • Root Cause Analysis (8D, DMAIC, 5 Why)
  • Supplier audits & QMS (ISO/IATF)
  • Solid knowledge of fabrication processes and metal manufacturing (e.g., welding, machining, forming, casting)
  • Willingness to travel ~70% locally to supplier sites
  • High attention to detail and strong analytical thinking
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced, risk taker, and variable work schedules

Nice to have

  • Experience in automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing sectors
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt certification
  • Proven experience in supplier development programs and cost/quality optimization
  • Exposure to global supply chains or multinational environments
  • Familiarity with Industry 4.0, automation, or digital quality systems
  • Proficiency in English
  • Thai language preferred
  • Willingness to learn and adapt quickly
  • Open to taking calculated risks and driving change
  • Strong ownership mindset and resilience

What the JD emphasized

  • Supplier Development expertise
  • fabrication and metal suppliers
  • supplier compliance
  • supplier audits
  • APQP, PPAP, FMEA
  • root cause analysis (RCA)
  • supplier selection, evaluation, and performance management
  • quality assurance strategies and control plans
  • on-site supplier visits (up to 70% travel)
  • dynamic, fast-paced, risk taker, and variable work schedules