Principal Supplier Technical Engineer

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.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Technical Problem Resolution – Identify quality problems, lead root cause analysis, and implement resolution of technical issues in a cross-functional environment with the supplier, manufacturing, and engineering. Serve as the focal point for Reject Notices and Request for Technical Authority, initiating root cause analysis, supplier corrective action, and/or preventive action plans using 6 Sigma tools, critical thinking, and a sense of urgency.
• Supplier Quality Metrics – Develop supplier quality metrics, provide monthly reporting, and distribute metrics. Identify supplier quality performance trends and improvement opportunities with time-bound corrective actions or improvement plans to meet Supply Chain metric targets.
• Engineering Liaison – Coordinate with Engineering on New Product Introduction (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 – Lead the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and develop inspection plans in collaboration with Design Engineering, Materials & Processes Engineering, and Manufacturing. Provide technical guidance to the Supply Chain team on the requirements and purchase of supplier tooling.
• Supplier Sourcing Project Management – Play a key role in identifying, evaluating, and qualifying additional supply sources for Bearings and Seals. Serve 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. Facilitate initial commercial discussions with prospective suppliers under the guidance of the Supply Chain Manager to ensure alignment with business and operational objectives.

Requirements

• 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 proficiency 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%.

Skills

• 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, technical product knowledge, and metallurgy principles.
• 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 cross-functional technical teams to consensus, and ability to influence or persuade suppliers and internal clients toward effective solutions.
• Demonstrated responsiveness and ability to act 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.

Pay

Summary Pay Range: $120,600.00 - $180,900.00. Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines).
• 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.

Schedule

This position requires working onsite five days a week.