Quality Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria, IL seeks a Quality Engineer to perform advanced inspection and audits, ensuring conformance to quality standards.

You will collaborate with manufacturing and engineering to prevent defects, reduce variation, and strengthen quality system execution on-site. The role emphasizes disciplined quality execution, continuous improvement, and close partnership with teams to drive preventive controls and robust quality plans.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and document control.
• Experience applying root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Excellent collaboration across cross-functional teams in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Gather, analyze, trend non-conformance data for root-cause analysis.
• Maintain quality system documentation for traceability and audits.
• Support internal and external audits with corrective action follow-up.
• Partner with manufacturing and engineering to prevent quality risks.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives to reduce variation and waste.
• Set priorities and propose solutions to meet production needs.
• Lead cross-functional teams to resolve complex quality issues.
• Contribute to APQP and built-in quality programs.
• Manage disposition of non-conforming material via defect analysis.
• Develop and manage the quality plan.

Skills

QMS

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Decision making

Adaptability

Project management

Education

Engineering Degree

Tools

Power BI

Creo

Metrology equipment

CMM

Vision systems

3D laser scanner

Blue light scanner

Job description

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

Manufacturing

Quality Engineer

Location: East Peoria, IL

Travel: Up to 5%

Relocation Assistance: Available

Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team of makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. As a Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for performing advanced inspection and audits to track, analyze, and report on materials, processes, and products to ensure conformance to company's quality standards.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with manufacturing and engineering partners to prevent defects, reduce variation and waste, and strengthen quality system execution. This is an on‑site manufacturing quality role focused on disciplined quality execution and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather, analyze, trend, and communicate non‑conformance and defect data to support root‑cause analysis and corrective action
• Maintain and update quality system documentation to ensure traceability and audit readiness
• Provide technical support for internal and external audits, including corrective action follow‑up and closure
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and support teams to identify quality risks and implement preventive controls
• Work in a team environment to implement best practices that emphasize defect prevention, reduction in variation and waste, and continuous improvement
• Sets priorities and recommend solutions to support production requirements
• Leads cross functional team to solve complex quality issues
• Lead/Support quality initiatives (Built in Quality, Lean, Defect Free, APQP..etc)
• Manage Disposition of non‑conforming material through analysis of defects and root cause identification
• Develop and manage quality plan

Required Skills

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Working knowledge of quality system processes, documentation, and compliance requirements
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, evaluate alternatives, and support corrective and preventive actions
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Strong focus on precision, documentation quality, and error prevention
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across teams, functions, and levels of the organization
• Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Applies structured thinking to evaluate issues and support sound decisions
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, changing manufacturing environment
• Project Management (Foundational): Understanding of tasks, deliverables, and timelines related to quality actions

Preferred Skills

• Education: Engineering Degree or equivalent experience desired
• Experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, and/or Quality
• Deep expertise in one of the category Fabrication, Casting, Machining
• Solid experience with Quality & Data analysis tools.
• Expert with GD&T and Metrology Equipment (Vision Systems, CMM, 3D laser & Blue light Scanners)
• ASQ quality certification- CQE, CRE, CMQ&OE, CQA, CSSBB
• Experience working in Automotive supply base as QE or Product development/New product introduction (APQP) experience.
• Weld Engineering Experience. ASNT-II or CWI
• Experience with Product design and design software, Creo
• Hands on experience with Data analysis tools & Powerbi, or similar visualization tools
• Good human relations skills are needed to develop a cooperative work relationship with others inside and outside the department
• General understanding of the Caterpillar organization, products, policies, and procedures

Summary Pay Range

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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

Posting Dates

August 17, 2026 - August 30, 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.