Sr. Prin. Supplier Technical Engineer

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you are part of a global team that cares deeply about the work we do and about each other. We are makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We turn progress and innovation into reality with our customers, wherever we work and live, building a better world for everyone.

Supply Chain and Logistics

The Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) provides on‑site technical support, ensures product compliance, and increases throughput at our critical supplier located in Whitehall, Michigan. The STE reviews drawings, evaluates part compliance, and works with Solar’s Material Review Board (MRB) to provide real-time dispositions. The STE is the primary technical liaison between the supplier and Solar Turbines.

• Review yield issues and collaborate with the supplier to improve performance.
• Partner closely with Quality Engineering, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes, tooling, and process controls to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
• Review drawings, models, and technical requirements with suppliers to resolve ambiguity and ensure manufacturability.
• Provide on‑site technical support while representing Solar’s interests at the supplier.
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) assessments and supplier‑side dispositions.
• Validate effectiveness of corrective action activities.
• Observe non‑verbal cues from individuals and groups to improve collaboration.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical field (Mechanical Engineering preferred).
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, supplier quality, or production engineering.
• Investment casting experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications.
• Experience creating material documents for the Material Review Board (MRB) team.
• Experience documenting design requirement deviations.
• Understanding of inspection processes, including basic fixtures and gauges, 3D scan process familiarity, CMM reporting and interpretation, digital comparator usage, and ANSI Y14.5.

• Internally cooled gas turbine cast airfoil design or manufacturing (casting or post‑cast) experience.
• Non‑conforming material evaluation & disposition experience.
• Machining experience with basic understanding of required post‑casting operations to produce a finished machined part.
• Ability to document design requirement deviations, PPAP qualification packages, and continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean or Six Sigma (black or green belt).
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally.

$ – $

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• 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

May 14, 2026 – June 29, 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.