Prin. Supplier Technical Engineer

Solar Turbines Incorporated; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Supplier Technical Engineer to lead supplier quality across the product life cycle, from NPI through production. You will coordinate with engineering, operations, and aftermarket teams, oversee PPAP and FAPI plans, and drive supplier improvements.

The role requires an engineering degree, Lean and quality management expertise, and project skills to manage cross-functional initiatives and supplier relations.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate engineering degree required.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Understanding of quality management principles.
• Experience with project management and DOE.
• Familiarity with NPI, CPPD, and PPAP processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in resolving quality problems with purchased materials and engineering issues.
• Communicate concept drawings to suppliers and manage BAAN/ Windchill activities.
• Act as technical liaison between suppliers and internal customers.
• Lead cross-functional projects using Six Sigma tools.
• Develop supplier quality metrics and analyze performance data.
• Initiate root cause analysis and drive corrective/preventive actions.

Skills

Engineering background

Lean manufacturing

Quality management

Project management

Design of Experiment

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

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.

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.

Position Objective:

This position has technical accountability for the assigned purchase parts from NPI (initial concept) through the product life cycle, including all aspects of quality management.

Nature& Scope:

The Supplier Technical Engineer acts as a liaison between internal customers at all levels (operations leadership, engineering and NPI teams as well as all areas in aftermarket), and external supplier contacts at all levels as required.

This position reports to the Supply Chain Manager and/or the Site Sourcing Manager. The Supplier Technical Engineer is a technical resource for the Supply Chain and, at the higher levels, acts as a mentor and technical lead.

Principal Accountabilities:

• This position provides leadership in resolution of quality problems associated with the purchased materials and engineering issues.
• Responsible for concept drawing, communication of concept with supplier, design/drawing review and acceptance, Windchill activities (drawing finalized), perform BAAN functions, tooling management, Q Notes, etc.
• Acts as a technical liaison between external suppliers and internal customers through various methods, including supplier site visits.
• The Supplier Technical Engineer will participate in and may lead projects on cross-functional teams utilizing 6 Sigma tools. At the senior level, projects will increase in complexity and value to Solar's strategic objectives
• Participates in the development of Supplier quality metrics and the monthly gathering and distribution of measurements.
• Reviews, analyzes and reports supplier quality performance data and trends. Is the focal point for SARN (Supplier Advanced Reject Notices) and RN (Reject Notices) resolution.
• Initiates root cause analysis and implements supplier corrective and preventative action plans.
• Participates in continuous process improvement and warranty cost recovery related to supplier quality, including recovery of line stop and rework charge analysis.
• Collaborate with Sourcing Specialist, Buyer, Supplier Development Engineer and Material Scheduler to improve supplier cost, quality and throughput.
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of technological developments and trends for guidance of commodity teams in advancement of design, quality and manufacturing.
• Provides input into the supplier selection process as a technical subject matter expert.
• Participates on survey teams; collaborates with Sourcing Specialists and Buyers in supplier qualification, selection and ongoing evaluation.
• Coordinates with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) teams; prove design to production, configuration management, deviations, supplier designs, specification approvals and meeting cost reduction goals.
• Leads the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and develops the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design Engineering. Identifies and provides input to the Buyer for the purchase of supplier tooling:

Skills Required:

• An undergraduate degree from a college or university, preferably in engineering.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies and knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures.
• Familiarity with engineering practices & process planning (interpretation of drawings, tooling concepts, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Functional Test, etc)
• Familiarity with project management and Design of Experiment (DOE).
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with quality management principles.

Some travel may be required.

Summary Pay Range:

$120,600.00 - $180,900.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Health Lifestyle Programs*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
• Career Development*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

October 7, 2026 - November 10, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.