Principal Supplier Technical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer to resolve quality issues, lead root-cause analyses, and coordinate with Engineering on new product introductions and process improvements. The role emphasizes supplier collaboration, PPAP leadership, and cost-reduction initiatives across a cross-functional team.

The position requires 7–10 years of experience (or 5–7 with a Master’s), travel up to 20%, and strong English communication skills in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 5-7 years with a Master’s Degree.
• Experience in a Supplier Quality or Engineering role in manufacturing.
• Fluent in Business English, written and oral form.

Responsibilities

• Identify quality problems, perform root cause analysis, and implement resolutions.
• Develop supplier quality metrics and report them monthly.
• Coordinate with Engineering on NPI, product/process development, and cost reduction goals.
• Lead PPAP processes and provide guidance on supplier tooling requirements.

Skills

ERP software

MS Office Suite

Business English

Travel up to 20%

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Tools

MS Visio

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:

Supply Chain and Logistics

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.

Principal Accountabilities:

Quality and Technical Problem Resolution – Responsible for identifying quality problems, leading root cause analysis, and implementing resolution of technical issues in a cross-functional environment with the supplier, manufacturing and engineering. The STE is the focal point for Reject Notices and Request for Technical Authority and will initiate root cause analysis, supplier corrective action and/or preventive action plans as applicable with the utilization of 6 Sigma tools, critical thinking, and a sense of urgency.

Supplier Quality Metrics – Responsible for development of supplier quality metrics and monthly reporting and distribution of metrics. The STE identifies supplier quality performance trends and improvement opportunities with time bound corrective actions or improvement plans to meet Supply Chain metric targets.

Engineering Liaison – Coordinates with Engineering on NPI, Concurrent Product and Process Development, and Continuous Process Improvement to ensure design concept to production status, configuration management, specification approvals and cost reduction goals are met.

Supplier PPAP Management – The STE leads the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and develops the inspection plan with collaboration from Design Engineering, Materials & Processes Engineering, and Manufacturing. Additionally, the STE will provide technical guidance to the Supply Chain team on the requirements and purchase of supplier tooling.

Supplier Sourcing Project Management – The Bearings and Seals Supply Chain STE will play a key role in identifying, evaluating, and qualifying additional supply sources. This responsibility includes serving as the technical lead during the onboarding of new suppliers, working closely with Solar Engineering and Supplier Engineering to support part design, qualification, and implementation activities. The STE will also facilitate initial commercial discussions with prospective suppliers under the guidance and direction of the Supply Chain Manager to ensure alignment with business and operational objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 5-7 years with a Master’s Degree
• Experience in a Supplier Quality or Engineering role. Preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP software and proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio).
• Fluent in Business English in written and oral form.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally up to 20%

Top Candidates Have:

• Engineering or manufacturing background with familiarity of manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies and knowledge of shop operations relevant to turbomachinery products.
• Familiarity with engineering practices and process planning including drawing interpretation, tooling concepts, nondestructive testing (NDT), functional test, in addition to technical product knowledge and metallurgy principals.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and mentor junior STEs.
• Strong analytical problem solving and statistical skills.
• Effective communication in written and oral form.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, leading a cross-functional technical team to consensus, and ability to influence or persuade suppliers and internal clients to effective solutions.
• Demonstrated responsiveness and acts with a sense of urgency.
• Familiarity with 6 Sigma tools and techniques, and understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Project management skills to advance supplier qualification and improvement projects to completion.
• Working knowledge of supplier selection process and quality management systems.
• Familiarity with commercial sourcing activities.

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.

Posting Dates:

August 20, 2026 - September 3, 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.