Quality Engineer - Metrology

Caterpillar Inc.•Pontiac, IL

12d•$97,530 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

The Metrology Quality Engineer performs advanced metrology, measurement systems analysis, and quality engineering activities to ensure the accuracy, capability, and integrity of measurement systems used to verify materials, processes, and products. The role develops, implements, and maintains measurement methods, gauge strategies, and metrology standards that support Built-In Quality (BIQ), defect prevention, and customer satisfaction. The position works with cross-functional teams to improve measurement capability and consistency, support investigations and audits, maintain metrology documentation, and evaluate measurement technologies. It is based on-site five days a week at Caterpillar's Pontiac, Illinois facility. Domestic relocation assistance is available; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Metrology, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
Proficiency with CMMs, optical measurement systems, vision systems, surface roughness equipment, and other advanced metrology technologies.
Ability to conduct Gage R&R, bias, linearity, stability, and correlation studies.
Understanding of GD&T principles and their application to measurement strategy development.
Ability to evaluate measurement uncertainty and its impact on product acceptance decisions.
Ability to validate measurement results, verify data integrity and program accuracy, and identify discrepancies between measurement methods.
Experience collaborating across Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Supplier Quality organizations.
Ability to analyze measurement capability and risk, investigate measurement issues, identify root causes, and recommend practical solutions.
Ability to apply statistical analysis, MSA tools, and structured problem-solving methods.
Ability to manage metrology-related projects from planning through implementation and validation.
Knowledge of QMS requirements and their application to measurement systems, calibration programs, and metrology procedures.
Ability to maintain documentation and support compliance with customer, industry, and corporate quality requirements.
Willingness to adapt to evolving technologies, product requirements, manufacturing processes, priorities, and business needs.

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and/or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).
Experience with ISO/IATF 16949 quality management systems.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement metrology best practices focused on defect prevention, variation reduction, measurement system capability, and meeting customer requirements.
Develop, validate, and maintain measurement methods and programs for CMMs, optical systems, surface roughness equipment, vision systems, and other advanced metrology technologies.
Conduct Measurement System Analysis activities, including Gage R&R, bias, linearity, stability, and correlation studies.
Lead gauge correlation activities among production, supplier, laboratory, and customer measurement systems.
Analyze measurement-related non-conformance data and provide technical guidance to Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, and Supplier Quality teams.
Support Root Cause Corrective Action investigations as a technical authority on measurement methods, measurement error, and acceptance criteria.
Provide technical support for internal, external, supplier, and customer audits involving metrology systems, measurement controls, and quality management requirements.
Develop and maintain metrology procedures, work instructions, standards, calibration requirements, and quality system documentation.
Evaluate emerging measurement technologies and support capital equipment justification, purchasing decisions, and implementation plans.
Provide technical leadership on dimensional interpretation, GD&T, surface finish, and other product characteristics requiring advanced measurement techniques.
Manage metrology projects, coordinate MSA studies and gauge implementation, define project objectives and schedules, monitor milestones, and communicate status to stakeholders.
Support capital equipment projects and metrology laboratory improvement initiatives.