Machine Shop Quality Technician-3rd Shift

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 86,764,000 - 110,376,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off (PTO)

Career development

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, IN is seeking a Machine Shop Quality Technician for the 3rd shift.

You will provide assembly and machine shop quality support for nonconforming parts, document variations to the Caterpillar print, and maintain stop capability through inspection and reporting. Responsibilities include reading prints with GD&T, determining conformity, and coordinating with internal teams and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Must successfully pass BAT or BMT for both written and hands-on exercises.
• Gauging skills
• Quality experience
• Engine knowledge
• Print reading skills
• Basic computer skills

Responsibilities

• Learn Caterpillar systems (eMachine, AQE) and use them properly.
• React to operations line calls for problematic parts.
• Read Caterpillar prints, understand GD&T, and report non-conformances.
• Troubleshoot issues and identify root causes.
• Use gauges to check part conformance.
• Communicate via Teams and email; collaborate with teams.

Skills

Gauging skills

Quality experience

Engine knowledge

Print reading

Basic computer skills

Communication skills

Tools

eMachine

AQE

Job description

Job Description

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.

Career Area

Operations

Job Description

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.

Machine Shop Quality Technician – 3rd Shift

Lafayette, Indiana

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, Incentives/Bonus Opportunities, Matching 401k, available first day of employment.

Caterpillar - Build What Matters

What matters most to you? Is it being part of a strong team? Supporting your family? Solving global problems? You can do these and more at Caterpillar; where your work enables progress around the globe, and you contribute to meaningful work. Together, we can build what matters!

The Large Power Systems Division in Lafayette, IN currently has an opening for a Machine Shop Quality Technician.

In this role you will be responsible for providing assembly and machine shop quality support for suspected nonconforming machined parts; accomplished through the inspection and documentation of engine parts with focus on stop capability. You will compare the non-conforming part to the Caterpillar print, applicable quality standard and document any variations as it relates to the form, fit, and/or function of the part.

Upon discovery of a nonconformance, you will document the discrepancy, provide visual proof of the nonconformance, reference the applicable quality standard, and draft a system alert which is communicated back to internal support teams along with the supplier. In addition, you may also be responsible for ensuring that discrepant materials are quarantined in a timely manner. Other activities include processing customer returned material, participating in external and internal audits, and.

Job Duties/Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Learning Caterpillar Systems and using them appropriately (eMachine, AQE, etc.)
• React to operations line calls for problematic parts.
• Read Caterpillar prints, understand GD&T, and communicate non-conformances
• Troubleshoot issues with parts.
• Gage utilization to check part conformance.
• Computer Skills – Microsoft Teams, Email
• Strong customer focus, communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work with diverse groups.

Basic Qualifications

• Must successfully pass BAT (Basic Assembly Training) or BMT (Basic Machining Training) for both written and hands-on exercises.
• Gauging skills
• Quality experience
• Engine knowledge
• Print reading skills
• Basic computer skills

Top Candidates Will Also

• Experience in:
  • Forged and cast metals
  • Machining
  • Gaging
  • Quality
  • Blueprint Reading
  • GD&T
• Possess problem solving skills to assist in Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA).
• Knowledge of engines & engine components.
• Be flexible to work overtime as needed to support production demands.
• Possess and show strong interpersonal skills and apply customer-based focus.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to bend and twist at the waist and be able to squat.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Consistent usage of required PPE for task being performed.

Additional Information

• Position is for 3rd shift – 11:30 pm to 7:30 am
• This position will train on 1st shift (7:30 am to 3:30 pm). Transition timeline to off shift is TBD.
• Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN
• Relocation assistance is NOT offered for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected applicant.
• 13 days / 104 hours of paid Personal Time Off (PTO) - (Prorated based upon start date)
• 11 Paid holidays (Prorated based upon start date)
• 40-hour work weeks with potential for mandatory and voluntary overtime
• Climate controlled work environment – most areas
• Clean/safe work environment

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Summary Pay Range

$30.28 - $38.52

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

August 11, 2026 - August 25, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.