Senior Supplier Technical Engineer

Solar Turbines; United States; On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

401(k)

HSA

FSAs

Paid time off

Career development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking an experienced Supplier Technical Engineer to own technical aspects of purchased parts from concept to production, including quality management and supplier collaboration in NPI and CPPD initiatives.

The role requires strong engineering practices, Six Sigma and Lean know-how, along with ERP tools like BAAN ERP, to drive supplier performance and continuous improvement across the product life cycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical subject with 5 to 7+ years of experience, or 10+ years manufacturing experience in lieu of a degree.
• Engineering practices & process planning (interpretation of drawings, tooling concepts, NDT, Functional Test, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Technical accountability for purchased parts from NPI through product life cycle, including quality management.
• Understand supplier technical issues and provide ideas/solutions to resolve problems.
• Communicate technical requirements with the Supplier, including design/drawing review, configuration management input, BAAN ERP functions, and quality notes management.
• Monitor supplier quality performance data and trends.
• Collaborate with Sourcing Specialists and Buyers to develop supplier performance improvements using root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Participate in CPPD, NPI, and CPI discussions with engineering.
• Lead PPAP and develop FAPITP with input from Design Engineering.
• Dispostion Reject Notices (RNs) and RTAs with Design Engineering.

Skills

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

DOE

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Statistical tools

Quality management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical subject

Tools

Baan ERP

Job description

Career Area:

Supply Chain and Logistics

Job Description:

When you join Caterpillar, you'rejoining 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'tjust 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.

As the Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) at this facility, you would:

• Have technical accountability for the assigned purchased parts from NPI (initial concept) through the product life cycle, including all aspects of quality management.
• Have technical knowledge in metal fabrication, welding, heat treat, and machining.
• Be able to understand top supplier technical issues and provide ideas and solutions to resolve the most complex and challenging problems.
• Be responsible for communication of technical requirements with the Supplier, including design/drawing review, Configuration Management input, perform Baan ERP functions, and manage applicable quality notes
• Monitor supplier quality performance data and trends.
• Collaborate with the Sourcing Specialist and Buyer to develop and implement strategies for supplier performance improvements, leveraging root cause analysis and corrective and preventative action methodologies.
• Provide input into the supplier selection process as a technical subject matter expert including participation on survey teams, collaboration with Sourcing Specialists and Buyers in supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing evaluation.
• Coordinate with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI).
• Participate in design and process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Lead the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and develop the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design Engineering
• Work with Design Engineering to disposition Reject Notices (RNs) and Request for Technical Authorization (RTAs).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical subject with 5 to 7+ years of experience, or 10+ years manufacturing experience in lieu of a degree
• Engineering practices & process planning (interpretation of drawings, tooling concepts, NDT, Functional Test, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands on manufacturing experience
• Highest level of ethics and professionalism
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills, ability to use and communicate statistical and problem-solving tools including root cause analysis and corrective action skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills strongly preferred in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions, inside and outside of Solar.
• Tools and techniques of 6 Sigma methodology are requirements and may be attained through completion of 6 Sigma training following entry into this position. Familiarity with project management and Design of Experiment (DOE)
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Solar and our Suppliers.
• Familiarity with quality management principles
• Project Management skills

This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Summary Pay Range:

$112,704.00 - $169,056.00

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: November 2, 2026 - November 16, 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.