Prin Supplier Tech Engineer

Solar Turbines•San Diego, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Job Description: The position of Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) is an integral part of the supplier relationship, acting as a liaison between internal customers and external suppliers, and provides leadership in resolution of quality problems associated with purchased materials and engineering issues. This position provides great cross functional exposure, as you would be working with various teams internally from Operations, Engineering and NPI teams. As the Supplier Technical Engineer (STE) at this facility, you would: Have technical accountability for the assigned purchased parts from NPI (initial concept) through the product life cycle, including all aspects of quality management. Have technical knowledge in metal fabrication, welding, heat treat, and machining. Be able to understand top supplier technical issues and provide ideas and solutions to resolve the most complex and challenging problems. Be responsible for communication of technical requirements with the Supplier, including design/drawing review, Configuration Management input, perform Baan ERP functions, and manage applicable quality notes Monitor supplier quality performance data and trends. Collaborate with the Sourcing Specialist and Buyer to develop and implement strategies for supplier performance improvements, leveraging root cause analysis and corrective and preventative action methodologies. Provide input into the supplier selection process as a technical subject matter expert including participation on survey teams, collaboration with Sourcing Specialists and Buyers in supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing evaluation. Coordinate with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI). Participate in design and process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Lead the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and develop the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design Engineering Work with Design Engineering to disposition Reject Notices (RNs) and Request for Technical Authorization (RTAs). 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a technical subject with 7 to 10+ years of experience, or in lieu of a degree
Engineering practices & process planning (interpretation of drawings, tooling concepts, NDT, Functional Test, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Hands-on manufacturing experience
Familiarity with sheet metal manufacturing processes
Experience with metal fabrication, welding, heat treat, and machining
Familiarity with manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies and knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures.
Familiarity with engineering practices & process planning (interpretation of drawings GD&T Y14.5, tooling concepts, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Functional Test, etc).
Highest level of ethics and professionalism
Strong analytical problem-solving skills, ability to use and communicate statistical and problem-solving tools including root cause analysis and corrective action skills.
Well-developed interpersonal skills strongly preferred in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions, inside and outside of Solar.
Tools and techniques of 6 Sigma methodology are requirements and may be attained through completion of 6 Sigma training following entry into this position.
Familiarity with project management and Design of Experiment (DOE)
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Solar and our Suppliers.
Familiarity with quality management principles
Project Management skills

Responsibilities

Have technical accountability for the assigned purchased parts from NPI (initial concept) through the product life cycle, including all aspects of quality management.
Have technical knowledge in metal fabrication, welding, heat treat, and machining.
Be able to understand top supplier technical issues and provide ideas and solutions to resolve the most complex and challenging problems.
Be responsible for communication of technical requirements with the Supplier, including design/drawing review, Configuration Management input, perform Baan ERP functions, and manage applicable quality notes
Monitor supplier quality performance data and trends.
Collaborate with the Sourcing Specialist and Buyer to develop and implement strategies for supplier performance improvements, leveraging root cause analysis and corrective and preventative action methodologies.
Provide input into the supplier selection process as a technical subject matter expert including participation on survey teams, collaboration with Sourcing Specialists and Buyers in supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing evaluation.
Coordinate with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI).
Participate in design and process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Lead the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and develop the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design Engineering
Work with Design Engineering to disposition Reject Notices (RNs) and Request for Technical Authorization (RTAs).