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Solar Turbines · 6 hours ago

2026 Internship - Supply Chain - Supplier Technical Engineer

San Diego, CA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$26/hr - $43/hr

Start in 2026

Solar Turbines is part of Caterpillar Inc., a global team focused on innovation and sustainability. The Supplier Technical Engineer Intern will act as a liaison between internal teams and external suppliers, ensuring quality management and supporting new product introductions throughout the product life cycle.

EnergyManufacturingOil and Gas

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

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 intern 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

Qualification

Engineering backgroundQuality management principles6 Sigma methodologyAnalytical problem-solvingLean Manufacturing principlesTechnical product knowledgeInterpersonal skillsWritten communicationVerbal communicationProject management

Required

Overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale

This position requires an engineering or manufacturing background

Candidate for this position would be pursuing an undergraduate degree from a college or university, preferably in engineering, or have recently graduated

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

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

Tools and Techniques of 6 Sigma methodology are requirements and will be attained through completion of 6 Sigma training following entry into this 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