Supplier Development Engineering (Graduate Scheme)

Career Area: Students and Graduates 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.

Graduate Scheme

Discipline: Supplier Development Engineering

Location: Stafford, UK

Salary: £35,833, £1,500 Sign on Bonus, 10% Annual Bonus, Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).

At Caterpillar, you build what matters - whether it's the career you want, crucial work skills, strong relationships, or new technologies. Our work is powered by our people.

Who is Caterpillar?

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, we've been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.

We have a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which we operate. Our core values (Safety, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Commitment) are key to our success.

What do we do?

The Stafford facility is part of Caterpillar's Large Power Systems Division. Within our state of the art facilities we are able to design & manufacture engines tailored to meet the precise requirements of our customers, for use anywhere in the world from the Arctic Circle to the Deserts of Chile, providing power solutions exactly when and where required. Our engines are reliable in a crisis keeping hospitals online, sporting fixtures playing or powering the grid when power stations fail.

Diversity at Caterpillar

When we leverage our people's experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women's Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

What experiences can we offer you?

During this two year programme, you will be given the opportunity to experience a true Supplier Development Engineer role. Key focus areas include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary link between suppliers and Caterpillar facilities.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive proactive quality improvements.
• Conduct supplier process audits to identify improvement opportunities and validate process controls.
• Monitor supplier manufacturing processes and quality management systems for trends and performance gaps.
• Lead and support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP, CPPD), feasibility studies, NPI activities, and project planning from concept to end of life.
• Working with suppliers to complete accurate Rough Cut Capacity (RCCP), challenging the data such as (OEE) Operational Equipment Efficiency to ensure it is accurate.
• Manage daily part number level quality issues and ensure suppliers receive clear, complete problem definitions.
• Facilitate update meetings between the supplier and the receiving facility to demonstrate timely closure of the 8D's.
• Ensure completion and approval of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions prior to new part deliveries.
• Perform supplier quality system audits, SES assessments, and support evaluation of new suppliers.
• Oversee supplier adherence to Process Change Notification (PCN) processes and ensure all changes and requirements are fully documented.
• Drive supplier performance improvement using Lean methodologies, Supplier Performance Management reviews, Material Review Board coordination, and regular supplier meetings.

What happens after the graduate scheme?

After successful completion of the programme, you will be supported to find a suitable position within the global organisation, and we will continue to provide you the training and support you need to be successful at Caterpillar.

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for people who can show us a highly participative working style, and who thrive in a team of committed professionals. Great analytical, presentation skills and an ability to communicate at all levels. You should be on track or have achieved a 2:2 in one of the following subjects:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Materials Science or Materials Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Automotive Engineering

Recruitment Process Guidelines:

Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles

Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application and attach your CV, this must be done before the closing date of the role that you're applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.

Stage one - Video Interview: If selected, you will be invited to complete a user friendly video interview which will then be reviewed by the Hiring Team. At this stage, if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre which we anticipate will be held on 11th May 2026 onsite at our Stafford facility so please try to keep that date free. We would also recommend that you check your spam emails and your Workday account for updates.

Stage two - Assessment Centre: The Assessment Centre Day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision making, communication, and problem solving. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.

Stage three - Offer: After the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible. Graduates will start on 7th September 2026. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!

Please note that this position requires frequent travel (around 20% per annum) to countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Slovakia.

Additional Notes:

• Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage.
• The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
• Depending on the volume of applications received, the selection criteria may be refined to support the shortlisting process. This may also include an adjustment to the application deadline.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates: March 2, 2026 - March 24, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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