Senior Product Procurement Engineer

Career Area:

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.

The Opportunity:

As a SeniorProduct Procurement Engineer, you will represent the Category in monitoring and managing part sourcing, development, and quality performance across NPI, CPI, and NSI activities. You’ll work hands‑on with engineering, procurement, and suppliers to deliver parts with the right quality, cost, and timing, while turning category strategy into practical, measurable outcomes across the supply base.

As aProduct Procurement Engineer, you will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Lead part development from concept to production, owning APQP and PPAP activities to ensure quality, cost, delivery, and capacity targets are achieved.
• Translate category strategy into action, collaborating with engineering, quality, supply chain, and procurement teams to implement global supply solutions.
• Develop and track category KPIs, clearly communicating performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to Category and Program Leadership.
• Drive VA/VE initiatives, using cost modelling, DFM/DFA principles, and supplier capability to improve value without compromising quality.
• Own quality feedback loops, ensuring lessons learned from defects and issues are captured and consistently applied across suppliers.
• Represent the Category at NPI and APQP gateways, working directly with suppliers to resolve quality, cost, and delivery challenges.

Skill Descriptors

Level Extensive Experience:

• Strategic Sourcing:Leads sourcing activities aligned to category strategy, selecting and contracting suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, and governing performance to deliver cost, quality, and supply continuity targets.
• Supplier Management:Builds and manages supplier relationships by setting quality expectations, monitoring performance, resolving issues, and driving continuous improvement or exits where required.
• Analytical Thinking:Analyses complex data and problems to identify root causes, assess risks and options, and recommend solutions that protect quality, cost, and delivery outcomes.
• Effective Communication:Influences cross‑functional teams and suppliers through clear, credible communication, constructively managing conflict and sustaining strong working relationships.

Top candidates will also have:

• Makes informed sourcing and supplier decisions by balancing cost, contractual terms, risk, and long‑term value to protect quality, delivery, and commercial outcomes.
• Applies cost–benefit analysis to sourcing, part development, and VA/VE decisions, evaluating options to achieve optimal cost, quality, and delivery. Uses quantified outcomes to inform category decisions and align supplier strategies with program goals.
• Anticipates and incorporates governmental, environmental, political, and geographic factors into sourcing decisions to strengthen supply resilience and mitigate risk.

Posting Dates:

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.