Senior Buyer at Solar Turbines in San Diego, CA

SENIOR BUYER Location: San Diego, California Career Area: Procurement 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. Position Objective This position is responsible for day-to-day and strategic supplier management including, but not limited to: purchase order placement, follow-up, issue resolution; communication of demand and forecasts; preparing contracts; negotiating contract terms; managing supplier relationships and performance metrics; facilitating communications; and mitigating risk that could impact Solar’s ability to meet the business plan Role Definition Processes requisitions and provides support for purchasing sourcing, cost, price analyses and contract/purchase order generation. With specific focus on procurement for gas turbine fabricated products, thermal insulation systems and fuel components. Responsibilities •    Developing improvement plans to support buyers and professionals related to response time, lean targets, quality, cost, logistics, development, and management to enable optimal and efficient operations. •    Performing analysis and maintenance of assigned processes that produce output excellence, builds expertise for the assign process area, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts. •    Supporting customers and customer proposal efforts with pricing information and supplier selection. •    Performing analytical and administrative tasks in support of purchasing strategic initiatives What You Have: Data Analytics: Knowledge of techniques and processes for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making. • Collects required data through various data sources and documents them for evaluating trends and activities. • Assists in preparing charts, graphs, tables, and other tools to represent the results obtained from data analysis. • Researches business-related data, analyzes, interprets, and presents findings to management. • Recognizes and assesses problems, opportunities, and methods for improving existing business performance. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. • Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient. • Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness. • Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work. Negotiating: Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner. • Describes qualities of effective and ineffective negotiations. • Explains the basic concepts of negotiating. • Accesses organizational policies and practices for negotiating. • Utilizes techniques for establishing rapport and building trust. Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services. • Records documents of purchasing tasks and activities, such as orders, bidding. • Uses available procurement systems and tools. • Ensures compliance with procurement regulations and contract specifications. Supplier Relationship Management: Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers. • Identifies the main objectives and functions of supplier relationship management. • Locates where and how to obtain or maintain information on suppliers. Required Qualifications • The position requires a master’s degree with 1-3 years of experience, a bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of experience, or 5-7 years of equivalent experience. • Experience with ERP software and proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Visio) • Fluent in Business English in written and oral form. Preferred Qualifications • Master’s degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain or another related field. • Supply Chain Certification from a professional institution (ie. APICS, IIPMR, ISCEA, ISM, etc) • Understanding and demonstration of 6-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles. • 6-Sigma GB or BB Certification • Experience in gas turbines or aerospace industry 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. This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. No Job Description Provided     Summary Pay Range: $89,210.00 - $133,810.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.  Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. • Medical, dental, and vision benefits* • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* • 401(k) savings plans* • Health Savings Account (HSA)* • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* • Health Lifestyle Programs* • Employee Assistance Program* • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* • Career Development* • Incentive bonus* • Disability benefits • Life Insurance • Parental leave • Adoption benefits • Tuition Reimbursement • These benefits also apply to part-time employees     This position requires working onsite five days a week.         Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.     Posting Dates: June 8, 2026 - June 22, 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.