Quality Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Pontiac, IL

4d•$89,210 - $133,810•Onsite

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. ROLE DEFINITION: The Quality Engineer ensures products, processes, and materials conform to defined quality requirements by applying disciplined inspection, auditing, analysis, and problem‑solving methods. The role supports consistent execution of quality standards by translating requirements into repeatable standard work, enabling data‑driven decisions, and partnering with cross‑functional teams to improve process performance. As part of this responsibility, Quality Engineers apply Built‑In Quality (BIQ) principles to help diagnose process breakdowns, stop defects from flowing downstream, and improve the processes that create defects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience.
Quality Management (working knowledge): Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques and ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization. Utilizes quality indicators relevant to own unit or function. Adheres to organizational quality management processes and practices. Applies key aspects of continuous improvement processes and evaluates impact on quality. Uses quality evaluation tools and techniques such as walkthroughs and inspections. Works with quality assurance methods, tools and techniques.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail (working knowledge): Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision. Accurately gauges the impact and cost of errors, omissions, and oversights. Utilizes specific approaches and tools for checking and cross-checking outputs. Processes limited amounts of detailed information with good accuracy. Learns from mistakes and applies lessons learned. Develops and uses checklists to ensure that information goes out error-free.
Collaborating (basic understanding): Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the concept of collaborative processes. Explains the concept of collaboration as applicable to organizations. Provides examples of how collaboration has helped achieve organizational goals. Contrasts collaborative with competitive operating styles in organizations.
Flexibility and Adaptability (working knowledge): Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change. Adjusts to new or changing assignments, processes, and people. Demonstrates willingness to listen to other opinions. Provides examples of shifting from task to task. Identifies and considers alternative approaches to situations or problems. Accepts new or radical ideas with an open mind; avoids snap reactions.
Problem Solving (basic understanding): Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations. Explains the value of a disciplined approach to problem solving. Describes problem reporting and escalation practices. Utilizes accepted procedures for problem analysis and resolution. Identifies key aspects of problem-solving techniques used in own area.
Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies (working knowledge): Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance. Contributes to the development and implementation of specific manufacturing procedures. Investigates the need to refer potential exceptions upward for review and approval. Explains the rationale for procedures and standards in own area of responsibility. Participates in the implementation of manufacturing standards and procedures to one's own function. Provides feedback for improvement of procedures.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) (working knowledge): Knowledge of the concepts, principles and techniques of root cause analysis (RCA); ability to use a structured approach to identify the causes of undesirable consequences in a manufacturing environment and the changes needed to prevent recurrences. Utilizes RCA techniques, such as Flowchart, Fish-bone Diagram, etc., to investigate basic problems, determine the causes, and find resolutions. Locates factors that resulted in harmful outcomes of one or more past events. Pinpoints behaviors, actions, inaction, or conditions that need to be changed. Extrapolates lessons to be learned to promote the achievement of better consequences. Practices RCA as an iterative process.

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certification.
BIQ experience.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced inspections, audits, and evaluations to verify conformance to company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
Conduct measurement systems analysis (MSA) to ensure data accuracy, reliability, and fitness for use.
Collect, analyze, trend, and communicate non‑conformance data to support root cause analysis and corrective action.
Maintain and update quality system documentation in alignment with CQMS requirements.
Provide technical support for internal and external audits, including preparation, participation, response development, and corrective action follow‑up.
Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and support functions to identify root causes and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and verified.
Apply Built‑In Quality methods as part of normal quality execution to evaluate process capability and defect containment.
Support training and deployment of BIQ practices within manufacturing and support teams, as appropriate to the role.
Use BIQ data, defect trends, and feedback loops to help identify where defects are created and where controls are needed.
Verify effectiveness of process improvements by confirming defects are prevented or detected earlier in the value stream.
BIQ is used as a means to improve process performance, not as a standalone program.