Caterpillar, Inc

Quality Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in quality engineering or a related field
  • Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS)
  • Proficiency in GD&T and various metrology equipment
  • Ability to effectively collaborate across teams
  • Experience with data analysis tools like Power BI
  • Degree in Engineering or relevant technical experience
  • ASQ quality certification preferred (CQE, CQA, etc.)

Responsibilities

  • Gather and analyze non-conformance and defect data for root-cause analysis
  • Maintain quality system documentation for audit readiness
  • Provide technical support for internal and external audits
  • Collaborate with teams to identify quality risks and implement preventive measures
  • Lead cross-functional teams to solve complex quality issues
  • Manage disposition of non-conforming materials through root cause identification
  • Lead quality initiatives focusing on defect prevention and continuous improvement

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus programs
  • Tuition reimbursement and parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program and discounts
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Quality Engineer

Location: East Peoria, IL
Travel: Up to 5%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team of makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. As a Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for performing advanced inspection and audits to track, analyze, and report on materials, processes, and products to ensure conformance to company's quality
standards.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with manufacturing and engineering partners to prevent defects, reduce variation and waste, and strengthen quality system execution. This is an on-site manufacturing quality role focused on disciplined quality execution and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Gather, analyze, trend, and communicate non-conformance and defect data to support root-cause analysis and corrective action
  • Maintain and update quality system documentation to ensure traceability and audit readiness
  • Provide technical support for internal and external audits, including corrective action follow-up and closure
  • Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and support teams to identify quality risks and implement preventive controls
  • Work in a team environment to implement best practices that emphasize defect prevention, reduction in variation and waste, and continuous improvement
  • Sets priorities and recommend solutions to support production requirements
  • Leads cross functional team to solve complex quality issues
  • Lead/Support quality initiatives (Built in Quality, Lean, Defect Free, APQP..etc)
  • Manage Disposition of non-conforming material through analysis of defects and root cause identification
  • Develop and manage quality plan


Required Skills
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Working knowledge of quality system processes, documentation, and compliance requirements
  • Problem Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, evaluate alternatives, and support corrective and preventive actions
  • Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Strong focus on precision, documentation quality, and error prevention
  • Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across teams, functions, and levels of the organization
  • Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Applies structured thinking to evaluate issues and support sound decisions
  • Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing manufacturing environment
  • Project Management (Foundational): Understanding of tasks, deliverables, and timelines related to quality actions


Preferred Skills

  • Education: Engineering Degree or equivalent experience desired
  • Experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, and/or Quality
  • Deep expertise in one of the category Fabrication, Casting, Machining
  • Solid experience with Quality & Data analysis tools.
  • Expert with GD&T and Metrology Equipment (Vision Systems, CMM, 3D laser & Blue light Scanners)
  • ASQ quality certification- CQE, CRE, CMQ&OE, CQA, CSSBB
  • Experience working in Automotive supply base as QE or Product development/New product introduction (APQP) experience.
  • Weld Engineering Experience. ASNT-II or CWI
  • Experience with Product design and design software, Creo
  • Hands on experience with Data analysis tools & Powerbi, or similar visualization tools
  • Good human relations skills are needed to develop a cooperative work relationship with others inside and outside the department
  • General understanding of the Caterpillar organization, products, policies, and procedures


Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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 30, 2026

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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.

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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

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