Quality Engineer

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

8h•$89,210 - $133,810•Onsite

About The Position

Join us as a Quality Engineer and play a key role in shaping products that our customers can trust. In this role, you’ll be the problem‑solver, the process improver, and the data detective who ensures every component and process meets the highest standards of excellence. You’ll collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to uncover root causes, prevent issues before they happen, and drive meaningful improvements that keep our production lines running smoothly. If you love using data to drive decisions, thrive on solving complex challenges, and get energized by making systems better every day, this is a role where you’ll have a direct impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational success.

Requirements

Candidates should possess a relevant degree or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise.
Problem Solving: Demonstrate ability to perform root cause analysis (RCA) using structured methods such as 5‑Why, Fishbone, 8D, or similar. Hands‑on experience using fact ‑ finding and diagnostic tools to identify issues across processes, materials, or equipment. Ability to assess risks and benefits of alternative solutions and recommend sound corrective actions. Experience evaluating accuracy and relevance of information to determine true root cause—not just symptoms. Familiarity with read and interpret blueprints to identify dimensional, tolerance, or spec-related issues during problem resolution. Comfortable collaborating across functions to assess stakeholders’ perspectives when defining problems and validating solutions.
Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Demonstrate ability to complete highly precise tasks requiring meticulous documentation, measurement, and verification. Hands‑on experience conducting CMM inspections (Coordinate Measuring Machine) with high accuracy. Experience programming CMM machines to run repeatable and reliable measurement routines. Ability to identify tasks or outputs where accuracy is critical (e.g., dimensional inspections, gauge readings, PPAP data). Ability to follow established procedures to ensure results are error‑free, especially when completing R&R (Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility) studies. Solid ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, tolerance stacks , and engineering specifications.
Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze data sets (including statistical process control , R&R results, and capability studies) to make informed decisions. Experience identifying when an issue requires escalation vs. when a decision can be made independently. Understanding of decision‑making frameworks and ability to explain steps and logic behind chosen actions. Ability to reference past decisions, historical data, or similar failures to guide future decisions. Experience determining whether measurement variation is part-specific, process-specific, or gauge-related using statistical techniques.
Quality Management System: Working knowledge of QMS processes such as document control, audit readiness, corrective action, and compliance. Hands‑on experience supporting PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions, including preparation of dimensional reports, capability studies, and control plans. Understanding of how QMS ties into process documentation , measurement planning, and regulatory/customer compliance. Familiarity with automated and manual QMS tools for tracking non‑conformances, corrective actions, and quality alerts. Ability to use QMS frameworks to drive continuous improvement, supplier development, and standardization of quality processes.

Responsibilities

Lead quality reviews and internal audits that keep our processes sharp and our standards high.
Monitor production and supplier performance to ensure compliance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
Dive into data — analyzing trends, spotting patterns, and identifying opportunities to boost product quality.
Investigate non‑conformances, get to the root of issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions that stick.
Partner with cross‑functional teams to solve complex quality challenges and elevate our systems, processes, and products.
Support improvement programs such as Lean, APQP, and defect‑reduction initiatives that help us operate smarter and more efficiently.