2027 Entry Level Supplier Technical Engineer

Solar Turbines•San Diego, CA

1d•$92,500 - $118,000•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. Under close supervision, the supplier technical engineer participates in engineering activities, learning Solar methods and procedures for design, research, development, test, and installation of Solar turbomachinery products. The supplier technical engineer completes assignments under direction of more experienced engineers. Work is normally performed according to specific, detailed instructions, with latitude to act independently increasing with the individual's professional development. Graduate engineers can be assigned various rotations through the above activities, spending 2 - 6 months in departments within turbomachinery engineering. This supplier technical engineering (STE) role supports the DeSoto, Texas turbine overhaul activities: Supplier Technical Engineers have technical accountability for ensuring that parts produced by suppliers meet Solar’s requirements. They communicate technical requirements with suppliers, perform engineering specification review, provide Configuration Management input, manage Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP) setups, tooling management, and follow up on any technical production support needs at the supplier. Collaborates with Sourcing Specialist, Buyer, Supply Chain Coordinator, other Solar Engineering Subject Matter Expert and Supplier to improve supplier cost, quality, and throughput. Able to understand supplier technical issues and provide ideas and solutions to resolve complex and challenging problems. Provide technical direction/collaboration on remanufactured turbomachinery components with Aftermarket Design Engineering for reparability considerations. Evaluate suppliers for a wide range of (re)manufacturing capabilities (welding, brazing, coating, etc.) provide technical support in the supplier selection and development processes. Provides leadership in the resolution of quality problems associated with the purchased/subcontracted materials, including containment, continued production support, and Root Cause and Corrective Action investigation. Develops and maintains thorough knowledge of technological developments and trends for guidance of commodity teams in advancements of design, quality, and (re)manufacturing. Coordinates with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), and New Product Introduction (NPI). Participate in design and process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Works with Design Engineering to Disposition Reject Notices (RNs) and RTAs (Request for Technical Authorization) Leads the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and develops the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design/Repair Development Engineering.

Requirements

Engineering degree (preferred degrees include: mechanical, industrial or manufacturing)
0-3 years of technical experience
Willing to travel 25% (Ability to travel internationally)
Minimum of a 2.8 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale
Willing to relocate/be in DeSoto, TX
Must support in-office work (Onsite)
Engineering practices & process planning (interpretation of drawings, tooling concepts, NDT, Functional Test, etc.)
Strong analytical problem-solving skills, ability to use and communicate statistical and problem solving tools
Project Management skills
Corrective action and root cause analysis skills

Nice To Haves

Internships/coops/academic research/project work in manufacturing, design, process engineering
Turbomachinery experience - design / manufacturing / hands-on / field experience
Understanding of manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies (turning, milling, etc.) and knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures.
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
Design Engineering skills (including mechanical design experience, GD&T, and the use of Pro-E/CADD).
Technical product knowledge (including metallurgy, coatings).

Responsibilities

Participates in engineering activities, learning Solar methods and procedures for design, research, development, test, and installation of Solar turbomachinery products.
Completes assignments under direction of more experienced engineers.
Supports turbine overhaul activities.
Ensures that parts produced by suppliers meet Solar’s requirements.
Communicates technical requirements with suppliers.
Performs engineering specification review.
Provides Configuration Management input.
Manages Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP) setups.
Manages tooling.
Follows up on any technical production support needs at the supplier.
Collaborates with Sourcing Specialist, Buyer, Supply Chain Coordinator, other Solar Engineering Subject Matter Expert and Supplier to improve supplier cost, quality, and throughput.
Understands supplier technical issues and provides ideas and solutions to resolve complex and challenging problems.
Provides technical direction/collaboration on remanufactured turbomachinery components with Aftermarket Design Engineering for reparability considerations.
Evaluates suppliers for a wide range of (re)manufacturing capabilities (welding, brazing, coating, etc.).
Provides technical support in the supplier selection and development processes.
Provides leadership in the resolution of quality problems associated with the purchased/subcontracted materials, including containment, continued production support, and Root Cause and Corrective Action investigation.
Develops and maintains thorough knowledge of technological developments and trends for guidance of commodity teams in advancements of design, quality, and (re)manufacturing.
Coordinates with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), and New Product Introduction (NPI).
Participates in design and process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Works with Design Engineering to Disposition Reject Notices (RNs) and RTAs (Request for Technical Authorization).
Leads the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).
Develops the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design/Repair Development Engineering.