Senior Supplier Technical Engineer

Posted Yesterday
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San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
113K-169K Annually
Senior level
Energy
The Role
Lead supplier quality and technical issue resolution across cross-functional teams. Manage PPAP, supplier qualification, tooling and ERP/Windchill processes, develop supplier quality metrics, perform root cause analysis using 6 Sigma tools, and drive continuous improvement with suppliers and internal engineering/manufacturing.
Summary Generated by Built In

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.

This position provides leadership in resolution of quality problems associated with the purchased materials and engineering issues. The STE manages supplier quality through activities that include NPI concept drawings, communication of concept to suppliers, design/drawing review and acceptance, Windchill activities, BAAN functions, tooling management, and Q Notes. Additional activities include supplier and product qualifications by execution of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) coordinated with suppliers and internal cross-functional supply chain, manufacturing and engineering teams.

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

Required Qualifications:

  • a Bachelor’s Degree or higher with 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.

Top Candidates Have:

  • Engineering or manufacturing background with familiarity of manufacturing processes used in forging and machining 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.

  • Knowledge of melting and conversion of turbomachinery alloys as a complementary skill set.

  • 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.

 

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:

August 10, 2026 - August 24, 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree or higher with experience in a Supplier Quality or Engineering role
  • Experience with ERP software
  • Proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio)
  • Fluent in business English, written and oral
  • Willingness/ability to work onsite five days a week
  • Successful completion of a drug screen
  • Engineering or manufacturing background with familiarity of forging and machining processes (turbomachinery-related)
  • Familiarity with drawing interpretation, tooling concepts, nondestructive testing (NDT), functional testing, and metallurgy principles
  • Knowledge of melting and conversion of turbomachinery alloys
  • Strong analytical problem solving and statistical skills
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to lead cross-functional technical teams
  • Familiarity with 6 Sigma tools and Lean Manufacturing principles
  • Project management skills for supplier qualification and improvement projects
  • Working knowledge of supplier selection process and quality management systems
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The Company
HQ: San Diego, CA
5,640 Employees
Year Founded: 1927

What We Do

Solar Turbines provides gas turbine packages and services for oil and gas and power generation industries, including gas compressor restage and overhaul, service parts, gas turbine overhaul, machinery management, technical training, modular solutions, and microgrid energy storage solutions.

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