Caterpillar, Inc

Quality Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $221K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in quality management, preferably in manufacturing.
  • Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and their continuous improvement.
  • Proficient in problem-solving using root-cause analysis and data-driven techniques.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and practices.
  • Ability to make informed decisions based on critical data analysis and risk assessment.
  • Strong skills in building relationships and influencing cross-functional teams.
  • Relevant degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement quality assurance strategies to ensure product reliability.
  • Lead and mentor quality team members to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with customer and product specifications to enhance satisfaction.
  • Coordinate and lead internal and external quality audits, addressing any discrepancies promptly.
  • Analyze quality and manufacturing reports to identify and resolve underlying issues.
  • Enhance QMS effectiveness through rigorous documentation and metrics that drive performance.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits available for part-time employees.
  • Paid time off, including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plans and Health Savings Accounts.
  • Employee assistance programs and career development opportunities.
  • Tuition reimbursement and parental leave, alongside incentive bonuses.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Quality Manager

Primary Location: Decatur, IL
Travel: Up to 10%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

As a Quality Manager, you will oversee the administration and continual improvement of Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure the quality and reliability of manufactured products.
You'll lead quality strategies, audits, corrective actions, and a culture of continuous improvement, partnering closely with manufacturing, engineering, and operations leaders to solve complex quality challenges with data-driven decisions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and deploy quality assurance strategies, processes, guidelines, and control plans that ensure manufactured product quality and reliability.
  • Recruit, develop, and lead quality team members to achieve organizational goals while building a continuous improvement culture.
  • Ensure adherence to customer requirements and product/service specifications, driving customer satisfaction through disciplined quality execution.
  • Lead internal quality audit readiness and execution and coordinate external on-site audits; identify deviations from standards and implement corrective actions.
  • Drive change using data-review quality and manufacturing reports with quality assurance, production, management, and engineering teams to resolve issues at the root cause.
  • Strengthen QMS effectiveness through governance, documentation discipline, and meaningful metrics that connect quality performance to operational outcomes.


Required Skills
  • Quality Management System (QMS): Ability to operate within and continuously improve QMS processes, documentation, and quality metrics.
  • Problem Solving: Strong root-cause thinking using fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools; translate findings into corrective actions.
  • Lean Manufacturing: Demonstrated ability to drive adoption of lean principles and coach others on lean measures and tools.
  • Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Organize relevant data, clarify priorities, assess risks/benefits, and make informed decisions.
  • Influencing & Relationship Management: Use active listening and persuasive communication to align cross-functional stakeholders and sustain strong working relationships.
  • Planning & Organizing: Build structured action plans, manage competing priorities, and maintain momentum through disruptions.
  • Education: Degree or equivalent experience desired.


Preferred Skills
  • Experience leading internal and external audits in a manufacturing environment (e.g., ISO 9001 or comparable quality frameworks).
  • Background in corrective and preventive action (CAPA), nonconformance management, and sustaining corrective action effectiveness.
  • Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), control plans, process capability, and data-based quality KPIs.
  • Exposure to supplier quality, production quality, and cross-functional quality issue resolution with engineering/operations.
  • Change leadership experience building high-performing teams and developing talent in frontline manufacturing settings.


Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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

Posting Dates:
June 3, 2026 - June 7, 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.

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

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