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Caterpillar Inc. · 1 hour ago

Quality Engineer

East Peoria, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$89K/yr - $134K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. is a global team focused on creating sustainable communities through innovation. The Quality Engineer will play a key role in ensuring product quality by collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to identify and prevent issues, driving improvements in production processes.

ConstructionMachinery ManufacturingManufacturingMechanical Engineering

No H1B

Responsibilities

Lead quality reviews and internal audits that keep our processes sharp and our standards high

Monitor production and supplier performance to ensure compliance, reliability, and continuous improvement

Dive into data — analyzing trends, spotting patterns, and identifying opportunities to boost product quality

Investigate non‑conformances, get to the root of issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions that stick

Partner with cross‑functional teams to solve complex quality challenges and elevate our systems, processes, and products

Support improvement programs such as Lean, APQP, and defect‑reduction initiatives that help us operate smarter and more efficiently

Qualification

Root Cause AnalysisCMM InspectionsQuality Management SystemStatistical Process ControlLean MethodologyProblem SolvingAttention to DetailDecision MakingCollaboration

Required

Candidates should possess a relevant degree or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise

Demonstrate ability to perform root cause analysis (RCA) using structured methods such as 5‑Why, Fishbone, 8D, or similar

Hands‑on experience using fact‑finding and diagnostic tools to identify issues across processes, materials, or equipment

Ability to assess risks and benefits of alternative solutions and recommend sound corrective actions

Experience evaluating accuracy and relevance of information to determine true root cause—not just symptoms

Familiarity with read and interpret blueprints to identify dimensional, tolerance, or spec-related issues during problem resolution

Comfortable collaborating across functions to assess stakeholders' perspectives when defining problems and validating solutions

Demonstrate ability to complete highly precise tasks requiring meticulous documentation, measurement, and verification

Hands‑on experience conducting CMM inspections (Coordinate Measuring Machine) with high accuracy

Experience programming CMM machines to run repeatable and reliable measurement routines

Ability to identify tasks or outputs where accuracy is critical (e.g., dimensional inspections, gauge readings, PPAP data)

Ability to follow established procedures to ensure results are error‑free, especially when completing R&R (Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility) studies

Solid ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, tolerance stacks, and engineering specifications

Ability to analyze data sets (including statistical process control, R&R results, and capability studies) to make informed decisions

Experience identifying when an issue requires escalation vs. when a decision can be made independently

Understanding of decision‑making frameworks and ability to explain steps and logic behind chosen actions

Ability to reference past decisions, historical data, or similar failures to guide future decisions

Experience determining whether measurement variation is part-specific, process-specific, or gauge-related using statistical techniques

Working knowledge of QMS processes such as document control, audit readiness, corrective action, and compliance

Hands‑on experience supporting PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions, including preparation of dimensional reports, capability studies, and control plans

Understanding of how QMS ties into process documentation, measurement planning, and regulatory/customer compliance

Familiarity with automated and manual QMS tools for tracking non‑conformances, corrective actions, and quality alerts

Ability to use QMS frameworks to drive continuous improvement, supplier development, and standardization of quality processes