Naim Luhar

Supporting supplier development across Caterpillar’s casting supply base, focusing on sand‑cast engine blocks and cylinder heads. Working with cross‑functional teams to strengthen supplier capability and meet quality and performance standards. Building technical expertise in casting through hands‑on experience and mentorship. Leading continuous improvement projects to boost efficiency, reduce defects, and improve product reliability. Partnering with suppliers to implement best practices in process control and production consistency. Contributing to strong, long‑term supplier relationships built on collaboration and transparency. Progressing toward the role of Casting Supplier Development Engineer with growing technical depth in sand casting operations.

As a key contributor to Caterpillar's cost management strategies, I play a crucial role in optimizing supplier pricing and identifying cost-saving opportunities. I ensure competitive estimates and drive informed purchasing decisions by leveraging analytical tools and collaborative methodologies. ● Developed should-cost models using TCPCM to evaluate supplier pricing, identify discrepancies, and support purchasing decisions. ● Conducted gap analyses and used NLPP software to uncover $4M in cost-saving opportunities for procurement. ● Collaborated in VAVE workshops with suppliers, applying Six Sigma methodologies to optimise processes and reduce costs. ● Established greenfield should-costs for NPI parts, ensuring accurate and competitive cost estimates. ● Proactively adapted to business needs and supported cross-functional teams to drive innovative cost management solutions.

As a key advocate for supplier excellence, I was responsible for assessing and improving supplier quality to ensure defect-free products that met stringent manufacturing and legal standards. By leveraging my engineering expertise and quality management skills, I contributed to fostering strong supplier relationships and driving continuous improvement in performance. ● Assessed supplier quality through defect monitoring and generated detailed reports to identify areas for improvement. ● Guided suppliers in reducing defect rates, enhancing overall product quality. ● Conducted supplier quality control audits and ensured compliance with organisational and legal standards. ● Researched potential vendors, evaluated manufacturing environments, and implemented quality assurance plans. ● Drove process enhancements and developed controls to support suppliers in meeting Caterpillar’s quality requirements. ● Achieved a 50% reduction in SQPI (from 180 to 92), significantly exceeding the target of 25%, by conducting regular supplier touch points and audits.

During my graduate scheme at Caterpillar, I gained invaluable cross-functional experience through rotations across key business areas, building a strong foundation in supplier quality, project management, and quality assurance. ● Supplier Development Engineer (6 months): Conducted supplier assessments and audits, collaborating with a mentor to strengthen supplier relationships and enhance quality control. ● Manufacturing Project Engineer (6 months): Managed multiple projects, driving significant progress and ensuring seamless handover for successful project continuity. ● Supplier Quality Engineer (3 months): Supported on-site quality processes to ensure defect-free parts, contributing to proactive and reactive quality assurance strategies for optimised production. Due to business needs, I transitioned into my final role as Supplier Development Engineer 9 months early instead of completing the rotation. This decision was made by my manager, who recognised my readiness to step into the role and addressed team requirements due to changes in the team. During this time, I applied cumulative skills to reinforce supplier performance and implement process improvements effectively.

As a Production Operative at Lear Corporation, I assembled seats for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, gaining valuable hands-on experience in manufacturing and production line operations. Despite the interim nature of the role before starting my graduate scheme at Caterpillar, I mastered all tasks on the line and became fully trained. This experience provided a strong foundation and practical insights into manufacturing, aligning with my passion for engineering and contributing to my professional growth.

As an Engineering Apprentice, I developed a strong foundation in engineering principles while contributing to various operational improvements and ensuring high standards. This role allowed me to apply technical skills and support smooth production processes effectively. ● Updated and reviewed engineering documents, including change requests and route cards, while providing technical support for contract reviews. ● Provided troubleshooting support to shop floor operators, ensuring smooth operations and resolving technical issues. ● Modeled new parts using Fusion 360 CAD software, contributing to innovative design and development processes. ● Managed tooling procurement, coordinated with departments to prevent production delays, and evaluated cost-saving opportunities while managing the tooling budget. ● Conducted process evaluations and mapping to identify operational improvements and drive efficiency. ● Acted as an internal auditor to maintain AS9100 and ISO9100 certifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

As a Trainee Project Engineer at EnginSoft, I supported the Head of Department and the team in executing professional services for our clients throughout the project lifecycle, from design through to construction and overall project delivery. Under the guidance of a Project Manager, I took responsibility for projects or parts of projects, ensuring that all work under my supervision was carried out in line with EnginSoft’s standards and procedures, as well as the client’s requirements. My role involved creating 3D CAD models, assemblies, and producing 2D drawings using CAD software such as SolidWorks. This required a strong attention to detail and a thorough understanding of engineering principles to ensure accuracy and compliance with project specifications. By contributing to the design and development phases, I played a key role in delivering high-quality solutions to our clients. This position allowed me to develop my technical skills and gain valuable experience in project management, while also enhancing my ability to work collaboratively within a team. My goal was to support the successful delivery of projects and contribute to the overall success of EnginSoft.

As an Engineering Apprentice at Collins Aerospace, I gained a versatile range of skills and experience, both on the shop floor in manufacturing and in the office, working alongside employees in the Engineering, Supply Chain, and Continuous Improvement functions. This dual exposure allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the operational and strategic aspects of the business. I honed my data analysis skills and became proficient in interpreting statistics, with advanced experience in using software such as Excel and SAP. My role involved participating in cost-saving tasks and numerous improvement events, utilizing 5S methodologies and continuous improvement techniques to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Leading apprentice projects was a significant part of my responsibilities, where I supported business operations and drove improvements. Over two years, I gained substantial experience and knowledge within the Supply Chain, focusing on material management, forecasting, and logistics. This experience was complemented by my ability to lead persuasive presentations to key stakeholders, including managers, effectively communicating project outcomes and recommendations. Additionally, I developed expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, identifying and implementing cost-saving measures for the business. This foundational experience at Collins Aerospace set the stage for my career, equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various engineering and supply chain roles