2026 Entry Level – Supply Chain - Supplier Technical Engineer

Career Area:

Engineering

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.

Job Summary:

Join our dynamic team as an Entry Level Supplier Technical Engineer, where you'll play a critical role in ensuring the timely availability of purchased materials to support customer needs and operational efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in supply chain and vendor management within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

- Leadership in resolution of quality problems associated with the purchased materials and engineering issues.

- Responsible for concept drawing, communication of concept with supplier, design/drawing review and acceptance, Windchill activities (drawing finalized), perform functions in BAAN ERP, tooling management, Q Notes, etc.

- Acts as a technical liaison between external suppliers and internal customers through various methods, including supplier site visits.

- The supplier technical engineer will participate in and may lead projects on cross-functional teams utilizing 6 Sigma tools. At the senior level, projects will increase in complexity and value to Solar's strategic objectives.

- Participates in the development of supplier quality metrics and the monthly gathering and distribution of measurements. Reviews, analyzes, and reports supplier quality performance data and trends.

- Is the focal point for SARN (Supplier Advanced Reject Notices) and RN (Reject Notices) resolution. Initiates root cause analysis and implements supplier corrective and preventative action plans.

- Participates in continuous process improvement and warranty cost recovery related to supplier quality, including recovery of line stop and rework charge analysis.

- Collaborate with sourcing specialist, buyer, supplier development engineer, and material scheduler to improve supplier cost, quality, and throughput.

- Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of technological developments and trends for guidance of commodity teams in advancement of design, quality, and manufacturing.

- Provides input into the supplier selection process as a technical subject matter expert. Participates on survey teams; collaborates with sourcing specialists and buyers in supplier qualification, selection, and ongoing evaluation.

- Coordinates with engineering personnel on matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) teams; prove design to production, configuration management, deviations, supplier designs, specification approvals and meeting cost reduction goals.

- Participate in design and process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).

- Leads the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and develops the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design Engineering. Identifies and provides input to the Buyer for the purchase of supplier tooling.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, business, or a related field. Overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

- 0–2 years of relevant experience related to this field (internships or academic projects are a plus)Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Effective communication and collaboration abilities.

- Interest in process improvement and vendor relationship management.

Core Competencies:

Analytical Thinking

Apply structured analysis to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking

Use data-driven judgment to evaluate risks and make informed decisions.

Business Process Improvement

Support initiatives to streamline operations and reduce waste.

Effective Communication

Deliver clear, concise feedback and interpret information accurately across teams.

Problem Solving

Diagnose issues and propose actionable resolutions using proven tools and techniques.

Matrix Management

Collaborate across departments and functions to balance priorities and drive results.

Vendor/Supplier Management

Build strong relationships with external providers to ensure quality and timeliness.

Procurement

Support purchasing activities using established systems and procedures.

Why Join Us?

- Be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

- Gain exposure to cross-functional operations and global supply chain strategies.

- Grow your career with mentorship and development opportunities.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary for this role ranges from $92,500, to $118,000. Actual salary will be based on experience.

#2026ETposting

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

September 10, 2025 - December 31, 2025

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.

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