Product Procurement Engineer

Product Procurement Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Product Procurement Engineer to join our Large Power Systems team and support Caterpillar large engine production at our Kiel facility.

What You Will Do

• Manage part development and quality feedback loops for New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and New Source Introduction (NSI) activities through collaboration with suppliers, design control engineers, value chain engineering, and procurement category teams.
• Manage Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and cost-management activities from concept to PPAP to deliver parts at the right quality, total cost, and meet timelines.
• Implement product supply strategies aligned with category management supply strategies to create a competitive advantage for our customers by developing, optimizing, and integrating a world‑class supply network.
• Ensure lessons learned from quality defects are applied across the supply base.
• Drive Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) through cost modeling, design for manufacturability, and leveraging suppliers’ capabilities.

Key Skills/Experience Required

• Extensive procurement practices and managing supplier relationships effectively.
• Ability to oversee supplier transactions and maintain strong business relationships.
• Skilled in sourcing strategies, technologies, and continuous improvement of procurement processes.
• Competent in using data analysis tools to make decisions aligned with business objectives.
• Strong problem‑solving skills; able to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
• Clear communication and ability to interpret ideas and information using appropriate techniques.
• Collaboration skills working with diverse individuals and teams.
• Proficiency in cost–benefit analysis.
• Engineer degree and equivalent experience desired.
• Very good German (at least C1) and very good English (at least B2).

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in manufacturing procurement processes and practices.

Benefits

• Varied, responsible, and challenging tasks.
• Opportunity to shape the future for a newly created entity.
• Excellent earning opportunities according to the Caterpillar compensation system.
• 30 days of vacation.
• Company pension plan.
• Bicycle leasing, job ticket, and wellbeing allowance.

Additional Information

This role requires being in the office five days a week. Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. A valid work permit or EU‑25/EFTA citizenship is required for this position.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off‑highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel‑electric locomotives. For the past 100 years, we’ve helped customers build a more sustainable world and are committed to a reduced‑carbon future.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries

Construction and Machinery Manufacturing