Supplier Technical Engineer Intern

Job Description

About Caterpillar Inc.

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.

The Role: Supplier Technical Engineer Intern (Engineering Career Area)

This intern position holds technical accountability for assigned purchase parts, spanning from initial concept through new product introduction and the entire product life cycle, including all aspects of quality management. The Supplier Technical Engineer Intern acts as a crucial liaison between various internal customers (including operations leadership, engineering, new product introduction teams, and all areas in aftermarket) and external supplier contacts at all levels as required. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager and/or the Site Sourcing Manager, this role serves as a technical resource for the supply chain. At higher levels, this position acts as a mentor and technical lead.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provide leadership in the resolution of quality problems associated with purchased materials and engineering issues.
• Responsible for concept drawing, communication of concepts with suppliers, design/drawing review and acceptance, Windchill activities (drawing finalized), performing functions in BAAN ERP, tooling management, Q Notes, etc.
• Act as a technical liaison between external suppliers and internal customers through various methods, including supplier site visits.
• 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).
• Participate in the development of supplier quality metrics and the monthly gathering and distribution of measurements. Review, analyze, and report supplier quality performance data and trends.
• Serve as the focal point for SARN (Supplier Advanced Reject Notices) and RN (Reject Notices) resolution. Initiate root cause analysis and implement supplier corrective and preventative action plans.
• Participate in continuous process improvement and warranty cost recovery related to supplier quality, including recovery of line stop and rework charge analysis.
• Collaborate with sourcing specialists, buyers, supplier development engineers, and material schedulers 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.
• Provide input into the supplier selection process as a technical subject matter expert. Participate on survey teams; collaborate with sourcing specialists and buyers in supplier qualification, selection, and ongoing evaluation.
• Coordinate 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).
• Lead the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and develop the FAPITP (First Article Production Inspection Test Plan) with initial input from Design Engineering. Identify and provide input to the Buyer for the purchase of supplier tooling.

Minimum Qualifications

• Overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
• This position requires an engineering or manufacturing background.
• Candidate should be pursuing an undergraduate degree from a college or university, preferably in engineering, or have recently graduated.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies and knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures is a plus.
• Familiarity with engineering practices & process planning (interpretation of drawings, tooling concepts, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Functional Test, etc.) and technical product knowledge (including metallurgy).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical problem-solving skills, ability to use and communicate statistical and problem-solving tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions, inside and outside of Solar.
• Familiarity with 6 Sigma methodology (training will be provided upon entry into the position). Familiarity with project management and Design of Experiment (DOE).
• Familiarity with quality management principles.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Maintain and promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics.
• Some domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Compensation & Logistics

The hourly compensation for this role is $26.00-$43.00. Actual compensation will be determined by graduation year and degree type.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Caterpillar 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: January 8, 2026 – April 30, 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.

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