Caterpillar, Inc

Quality & Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or engineering validation management
  • Strong background in ISO 17025 Quality Management Systems
  • Proficient in RCCA, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority
  • Excellent communication skills for technical and customer engagement

Responsibilities

  • Lead validation quality and continuous improvement efforts
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver data-driven solutions
  • Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and regulatory standards
  • Drive internal and external audit execution
  • Implement corrective actions for identified nonconformances
  • Champion Lean and Six Sigma initiatives for risk reduction
  • Oversee validation methods for robust data collection

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan with company matching
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Career development opportunities and education reimbursement
  • Incentive bonus and employee discounts
  • Disability and life insurance options
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Caterpillar is seeking a Quality & Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the next evolution of product testing and validation at the Tucson Proving Ground.

In this role, you will deliver trusted, world-class test data that drives confident engineering decisions, accelerates advanced technologies, and improves safety and productivity for our customers.

As a key leader across Engineering, Operations, and Safety, you will set the standard for data integrity, process discipline, and continuous improvement-helping shape the future of Caterpillar product development.

Why This Role Matters

You will be accountable for the integrity of Caterpillar's engineering validation. Your leadership ensures quality is not an outcome-it is built into every test, every process, every day. Your impact will directly influence machine safety, product reliability, and our ability to solve our customers' toughest challenges. If you thrive in complex problem solving, leading through influence, and driving quality as a competitive advantage, this is an opportunity to shape both results and culture.

What You Will Do

Leadership & Stakeholder Impact
  • Serve as the site leader for validation quality, laboratory integrity, and continuous improvement
  • Act as a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high standards of quality, responsiveness, and credibility
  • Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, and customers Product Groups to deliver data-driven solutions to complex challenges


Quality Management & Compliance
  • Lead and sustain an ISO 17025-accredited Quality Management System
  • Ensure audit readiness by driving internal and external audit execution
  • Identify nonconformances and implement support effective, sustainable corrective actions
  • Ensure all validation processes, data collection, and reporting meet Caterpillar and regulatory standards
  • Establish and monitor quality metrics tied to safety, process excellence and outcomes


Continuous Improvement (Built-In Quality)
  • Lead Built-In Quality (BIQ) strategy and deployment across validation and technical services
  • Embed BIQ into daily operations as a mindset-not a program
  • Use data, defect trends, and analytics to identify root causes and prevent defects upstream
  • Validate improvement effectiveness through early detection and defect elimination
  • Champion Lean and Six Sigma initiatives aligned to customer value and risk reduction


Validation & Test Excellence
  • Ensure validation methods and workflows are robust, repeatable, and credible
  • Oversee test integrity and readiness, including:
    • Calibration and instrumentation
    • Contamination control
    • Torque and weld quality
    • Pre-delivery inspection standards


  • Enable safe, reliable data collection to support engineering decisions and product improvements
  • Partner with Operations to improve process capability and execution


People, Organization & Financial Leadership
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team including Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Lean, Training, and Site IT
  • Develop team capability, engagement, and future leaders
  • Manage operating and capital budgets aligned with quality and site priorities
  • Set and balance priorities across programs, optimizing for safety, risk, cost, and delivery


What skills you will have

Technical Excellence: Experience in quality, manufacturing, engineering validation, or technical services leadership. Strong background in ISO based Quality Management Systems (ISO 17025 strongly preferred). Deep understanding of engineering validation processes, laboratory operations, and manufacturing flow. Ability to interpret technical documentation and system-level interactions.

Problem Solving: Demonstrated use of RCCA, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies. Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risk, evaluate alternatives, and guide informed decisions.
Effective Communications: Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical detail into customer focused outcomes.
Managing People: Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Project Management: Track record of building a quality culture where accountability, learning, and continuous improvement thrive.

Education requirements: Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Engineering or Business.

Additional Information:

Primary work location: Tucson Proving Ground - Green Valley, AZ, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.

Domestic relocation assistance is available.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

Schedule: 9/80 work schedule, providing an extra day off every other week equivalent to 26 additional days off per year.

Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not available

Posting date: 5/26/2026- 6/10/2026

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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:

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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