Supplier Development Engineer- Welding

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.

Supports the execution of designing, developing, deploying, and monitoring procurement capabilities in welding to provide business solutions that are globally effective & applicable.

Responsibilities

• Leading projects associated with weld quality improvement with the RISM Global Fabrications Category supply base and internal process partners, lean processes, global market understanding, tools, and systems.
• Designs and develops solutions, collaborates with senior stakeholders and business users to collect VOB/VOC, business requirements, and prepares implementation plans for successful deployment.
• Contributes to strategic initiatives such as the development of standardized best welding practices, offerings, services and development of associated tools & training.
• Serves as the lead technical representative for welding, and will work directly with a wide range of procurement / enterprise representatives, including presenting recommendations to senior leaders.

Education Requirement:

Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technical, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technical, Weld Engineering or Industrial Engineering preferred.

What You Will Have:

Business Process Improvement

• Identify and illustrate inefficiencies in welding-related processes and suggest improvements.
• Support change initiatives by analyzing requirements and evaluating process factors.
• Recommend ways to reduce variation and waste in fabrication workflows.

Data Analytics

• Collect and analyze welding and quality data to identify trends and performance gaps.
• Present findings using charts and tables to support decision-making in weld quality.
• Use data tools to interpret business impact and recommend process enhancements.

Effective Communications

• Deliver clear, constructive feedback and adapt communication style to diverse audiences.
• Write reports and present updates on welding audits and training progress.
• Interpret non-verbal cues and avoid technical jargon when engaging cross-functionally.

Negotiating

• Build trust and rapport with suppliers and internal teams during quality discussions.
• Apply basic negotiation principles to align on audit outcomes and process improvements.
• Understand organizational policies and practices for effective collaboration.

Matrix Management

• Navigate multiple reporting lines across global fabrication and engineering teams.
• Identify key stakeholders and decision-makers in weld quality initiatives.
• Collaborate across functional boundaries to drive roadmap execution.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Evaluate the cost and impact of weld quality issues and improvement strategies.
• Identify key factors in determining the benefits of process changes.
• Explain core concepts of cost-benefit analysis in supplier development context.

Category Management

• Understand the lifecycle of welding-related procurement and supplier engagement.
• Identify goals for improving end-to-end sourcing and audit processes.
• Apply category management principles to enhance supplier performance.

Procurement Function

• Recognize key tasks and tools used in welding-related procurement activities.
• Explain the role of purchasing in supporting fabrication quality and delivery.
• Follow procedures and policies for supplier audits and certification tracking.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

• Advanced Welding Credentials: Caterpillar WFGA-CAV Level 3 certification and/or ASQ certifications, demonstrating deep expertise in welding quality and standards.
• Global Experience: Proven ability to lead and influence across cultures, supported by global travel experience in fabrication or supplier development roles.
• Change Leadership: Experience deploying welding technologies and driving change management initiatives in manufacturing environments.
• Cross-Industry Exposure: Background in adjacent industries such as shipbuilding, automotive, bridge and iron, or oil and gas (pipeline/offshore welding).
• Strategic Impact: Ability to contribute to major initiatives like Weld PPAP, Regional Weld Quality Summits, and rapid response strategies for weld quality issues.

Additional Details:

• Relocation is not currently offered
• Sponsorship is not available.
• Minimum 50% travel, including global travel to supplier and facility locations.
• Role may be based at any core RI manufacturing facility, including Decatur, East Peoria, South Milwaukee, or Denison.

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

• These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

August 8, 2025 - August 22, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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