Caterpillar, Inc

Lead Internal Auditor

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in auditing
  • 5+ years experience with quality standards in manufacturing
  • Knowledge of CQMS and ISO 9001:2015
  • Experience coordinating Internal Audit programs for 3rd party certification
  • Familiarity with Caterpillar’s value stream certification program

Responsibilities

  • Conduct process audits to ensure compliance with CQMS and ISO 9001:2015
  • Analyze audit findings and communicate results to management
  • Maintain and update the internal audit schedule
  • Ensure annual audits cover all CQMS/ISO 9001 Clauses as per established procedures
  • Support internal and external audit processes
  • Close Corrective Actions timely per required procedures
  • Verify effectiveness of corrective measures through PCA checks
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan with employer match
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Access to health lifestyle programs
  • Employee Assistance Program for personal support
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement
  • Incentive bonuses and additional voluntary benefits
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

The Lead Auditor performs process quality assessments to track, analyze, and report on materials, processes, and products to ensure conformance to company quality standards, regulatory and certification requirements. This role supports the CQMS internal auditing program under ISO9001/CQMS Clause 9.2 and indirectly supports 3rd party marine certification activities for Aftertreatment products while driving continuous improvement. Onsite presence at Caterpillar Lafayette IN is required.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct process audits aligned with quality system documentation to ensure compliance with CQMS and ISO 9001:2015 requirements embedded in CQMS.

  • Conduct process audits; gather, analyze, and communicate audit findings to process owners and management.

  • Maintain an annual internal audit schedule; update monthly and align with current Value Stream / Small Business Team needs and data.

  • Ensure every CQMS / ISO 9001 Clause within the scope of the audit program is audited at least once annually in accordance with CQMS Procedure 9.2.

  • Participate in and provide technical support for internal and external audits; act as secondary contact for CQMS Clause 9.2 audit activities and 3rd party marine certification interactions.

  • Initiate and facilitate timely closure of Corrective Actions (CARs) per CQMS Procedure 10.2.

  • Incorporate PCA effectiveness checks into the audit schedule to verify sustainability of corrective measures.

  • Interact with manufacturing and cross-functional teams to determine root cause of quality issues and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and verified.

Education Requirements:

  • Related bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or equivalent auditing experience.

Minimum Requirements

  • Experience with maintaining, auditing or managing compliance of manufacturing quality standards

Top Candidates will have :

  • Experience coordinating and maintaining an Internal Audit program when required to achieve 3rd party certification.

  • Experience supporting accredited certification bodies and regulatory requirements.

  • Familiarity with Caterpillar’s value stream certification program.

  • Strong experience with CQMS / ISO 9001:2015 auditing, corrective action management (process-approach), and management review facilitation.

Competencies:

Quality Management: Working knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques; creates and supports an environment that meets organizational quality goals.

  • Utilizes quality indicators relevant to own unit or function.

  • Use Key Process Indicators (KPIs) and risk prioritizing and driving the internal audit schedule.

  • Adheres to organizational quality management processes and CQMS/ISO requirements.

  • Apply continuous improvement principles (PDCA) and evaluate their impact on quality.

  • Understands and applies both Quality Assurance and Quality Control methods, tools, and techniques.

Attention to Detail: Demonstrates accuracy and precision in auditing, data collection, and report writing.

Collaboration: Works effectively in cross-functional teams and facilitates cooperative problem-solving.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Adjusts to new assignments, processes, and people; listens to other opinions; shifts between tasks; considers alternative approaches; and accepts new ideas with an open mind.

Problem-Solving: Basic understanding of disciplined problem-solving approaches; describes reporting and escalation practices; applies accepted procedures for analysis and resolution; and identifies key techniques used in their area.

Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Working knowledge to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance; contributes to development and implementation, escalates exceptions, explains local procedure rationale, and provides feedback for improvement.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Working knowledge of RCA techniques (e.g., flowcharts, fishbone diagrams) to investigate problems, identify causal factors and behaviors/conditions to change, extract lessons learned, and iteratively implement and verify corrective actions.


    #LI


    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.

    Relocation is available for this position.

    Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

    Posting Dates:

    June 17, 2026 - June 25, 2026

    Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

    About Caterpillar, Inc

    Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

    Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

    Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

    Work You’ll Do

    At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

    Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

    Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

    Internship Programs

    Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

    Benefits and Culture

    Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

    Innovation and Leadership

    Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

    Join Our Team

    Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

    Stay Connected

    Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

    Prepare for Your Interview

    Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
    Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
    Size
    107,700 employees
    Market Cap
    $125.3 billion
    Industry
    Net Income
    $2.9 billion
    Founded
    1925
    5 Year Trend
    +5.8%
    Revenue
    $41.7 billion
    NASDAQ

    Similar Jobs

    More Jobs at Caterpillar, Inc

    More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

    Find similar Lead Internal Auditor jobs: