Principal Supplier Technical Engineer

Caterpillar Inc. Supply Chain and Logistics Job

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.

• 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.

• 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%

• Engineering or manufacturing background with familiarity of manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies and knowledge of shop operations relevant to turbo machinery 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…