Supplier Development Engineer - 12month contract
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)