Supplier Development Engineer

Location: Shrewsbury or Stafford

Contract: 12-month contract (with possibility of extension)

Rate: Up to £42.04 per hour (SG23)

Start Date: February 2026

Working Pattern: Onsite, full time

Travel: UK & Europe (2-3 times per month)

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) to join a small, highly skilled team supporting our clients European supplier network. This role plays a critical part in ensuring suppliers deliver world-class quality, on time and defect-free, to facilities across the globe.

You will act as the key link between suppliers and our clients manufacturing sites, working hands-on with suppliers to improve processes, close quality gaps, and support both new and legacy product introductions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary interface between suppliers and Caterpillar facilities
• Develop strong supplier relationships and proactively drive quality improvements
• Conduct supplier process and quality audits to ensure robust controls are in place
• Support suppliers with APQP, CPPD, PPAP, and NPI activities from design concept through full product life cycle (cradle to grave)
• Review supplier proposals for new product introductions and challenge processes to ensure due diligence
• Manage daily quality issues at part number level, facilitating root cause analysis and 8D closure
• Lead and review PFMEA, Control Plans, Gage R&R, and other APQP documentation
• Ensure timely completion and approval of PPAP prior to delivery of new parts
• Monitor and challenge supplier capacity data, including RCCP and OEE
• Coordinate supplier improvement plans where quality performance is below expectations
• Perform supplier QMS audits and Supplier Evaluation Surveys (SES), including new supplier assessments
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities in collaboration with Inspection teams
• Deploy Lean principles to drive built-in quality across the supplier network
• Participate in Supplier Performance Management Reviews and regular supplier meetings

Essential Skills & Experience

• 3-5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in foundry and/or machining environments (preferred)
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and specifications
• Hands-on experience with metrology equipment and quality standards
• Proven experience with root cause analysis (5 Whys, 8D)
• Excellent communication skills - able to engage from shop floor to senior leadership
• Strong written English skills with the ability to produce clear, detailed reports
• Comfortable working in demanding industrial environments, with strong safety awareness

Highly Desirable

• APQP and PPAP experience
• Experience participating in or leading PFMEA activities
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles

Additional Information

Working hours:

• Shrewsbury: 37.5 hours per week
• Stafford: 37 hours per week
• Core hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00-16:45, Friday 8:00-12:30
• One-stage interview process (Teams, STAR-based)