Sr. Prin. Supplier Technical Engineer

Solar Turbines Inc

Michigan, MI

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$128,470–$192,710 Per Year
SKILLS
Aerospace Engineering, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Capability Maturity Model (CMM), Career Development, Casting, Caterpillar Equipment, Comparator, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Industrial Engineering, Lost-Wax Casting, Machining, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Materials Analysis, Materials Testing, Mechanical Engineering, Model Review, On Site Support, Performance Management, Problem Solving Skills, Process Control Engineering, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Quality Engineering, Requirements Management, Supply Chain Operations, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Tool and Die Manufacturing, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation
LOCATION
Michigan, MI
POSTED
30+ days ago

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.

Summary:

The Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) is responsible for providing on-site technical support, product compliance and increase throughput at our critical supplier. This position will be located on site at our supplier in Whitehall, Michigan. This critical role will review drawings, evaluate part compliance and work with Solars Material Review Board (MRB) to provide real time dispositions. The STE will serve as the primary technical liaison between the supplier and Solar Turbines.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

  • 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 Solars interests at the supplier.
  • Support Material Review Board (MRB) assessments and supplier-side dispositions.
  • Validate effectiveness of corrective action activities.
  • Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

Required Experience:

  • Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical field. (Mechanical Engineering preferred)
  • Experience in manufacturing engineering, supplier quality, production engineering.
  • Investment casting experience
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications
  • Experience creating material documents to submit to the Material Review Board (MRB) team.
  • Experience in documenting design requirement deviations
  • Understanding of Inspection processes
  • Basic fixtures and gages
  • 3D Scan process familiarity
  • CMM Report & understanding
  • Digital comparator
  • ANSI Y14.5

Preferred Experience:

  • 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 make a finished machined part.

  • Ability to document

  • Design requirement deviations

  • PPAP qualification packages

  • Continuous Improvement; Lean / six sigma black or green belt experiences

  • Ability to collaborate cross functionally.

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:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About the Company

S

Solar Turbines Inc

Solar's foundation is people and Solar's culture is one where individual contributions are valued, diversity in the workplace is encouraged, and safety is emphasized in all aspects of the business. Solar is comprised of a dedicated and multi-talented workforce of more than 6,000 employees with decades of experience working as a global team. Solar Turbines offers an excellent compensation/benefits package including medical/ dental/ life insurance, vacation, pension plan, 401(k) plan with matching, an incentive pay program, tuition reimbursement and professional development/advancement opportunities.
COMPANY SIZE
5,000 to 9,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Energy and Utilities
FOUNDED
1927
WEBSITE
https://mysolar.cat.com/