Quality Engineer (Early Talent)

Caterpillar Brazil; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer to drive administration and continual improvement of our quality management systems. You will implement QA strategies, control plans and corrective actions to ensure durable product quality.

Leading multiple teams of quality professionals, you will analyze trends, resolve issues with cross-functional partners, and push systemic improvements using BIQ tools. This role demands onsite presence and collaboration across divisions.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited university within the last two years or due for graduation by Dec 2026.
• Ability to understand and apply quality systems concepts and processes.
• Familiarity with basic problem-solving techniques and data-driven decision making.
• Willingness to work onsite five days a week and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality management system administration and continual improvement.
• Implement QA strategies, processes, guidelines and control plans to ensure product quality and reliability.
• Lead corrective action and preventive measures to meet quality targets.
• Address internal and external non-conformance and drive systemic improvements.
• Review reports and coordinate with QA, production, management and engineering to resolve issues.
• Identify recurring quality issues and apply BIQ problem-solving tools where applicable.
• Report BIQ project status to multiple stakeholders.

Skills

Accuracy and Detail

Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Effective Communications

Lean Manufacturing

Performance Management

Planning and Organizing

Problem Solving

Quality Management System (QMS)

Leadership

Job description

Career Area: Manufacturing 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.

About LPSD

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufactures large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide. LPSD teams work across regions and functions to deliver safe, reliable and compliant solutions that help solve our customers’ toughest challenges.

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer oversees the administration and continual improvement of quality management systems. What you will do Implementing quality assurance strategies, processes, guidelines and control plans which assure quality and reliability of manufactured products. Leading the development and implementation of corrective action and preventive measures to achieve quality targets. Addressing trends with internal and external non-conformance. Managing multiple teams, team leaders, quality specialists and inspectors to assure that quality standards are met. Reviewing reports and conferring with quality assurance, production, management, and engineering personnel to solve quality issues. Identify recurring quality issues and drive systemic improvements, using statistical analysis/BIQ problem solving tools where applicable. Reporting the BIQ project status to multiple stakeholders.

Degree Requirement

This position is an early talent position. Candidates must have graduated from an accredited university within the last TWO years or a future graduation by Dec. 2026.

Accuracy and Attention to Detail

Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision. Level Working Knowledge: 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.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking

Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. Level Basic Understanding: Explains characteristics and steps in an effective decision-making process. Identifies issues and communicates with others when a decision needs to be made. Names decision makers in own environment and cites examples of past decisions. Describes types of decisions incumbent may and may not make in own job or function.

Effective Communications

Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Level Basic Understanding: Describes non-verbal behaviors that influence the interpretation of the message. Cites examples of effective and ineffective communications. Explains the importance of effective business communication. Speaks/writes using correct language, mechanics, and gestures.

Lean Manufacturing

Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes. Level Basic Understanding: Cites examples of benefits and risks associated with implementing lean principles. Describes basic tools for observing existing processes and identifying waste. Cites industry or company examples of successful and unsuccessful lean implementations. Identifies key lean principles and highlights of the lean manufacturing process.

Performance Management

Knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization’s performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance. Level Basic Understanding: Demonstrates an understanding of performance management concepts. Describes organization’s performance management process. Explains organization’s core performance factors and ratings. Participates in own performance review or performance checkpoint session.

Planning and Organizing

Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources; ability to plan and organize both time and resources to get things completed while structuring and maintaining work in a systematic and highly methodical way. Level Basic Understanding: Seeks help to modify priorities as new information surfaces or conditions change. Demonstrates the ability to estimate the time and resources required to complete tasks. Identifies own key assignments, schedules, and process steps. Applies the concept of ‘critical path’ in order to complete work in a timely manner and keep larger tasks on track.

Problem Solving

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. Level Working Knowledge: Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives. Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder. Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information. Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution. Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.

Quality Management System (QMS)

Knowledge of Quality Management System’s (QMS) functions, features, and capabilities; ability to design, implement, test, and maintain Quality Management Systems to consistently meet customer requirements and regulatory compliances. Level Basic Understanding: Explains the main features, functions, and capabilities of QMS. Lists the major market players/vendors of QMS. Outlines the benefits of using automated and manual QMS. Understands the role of QMS in implementing a formalized system for documenting manufacturing processes and procedures to meet customer requirements and regulatory compliances.

What will put you ahead

Leadership experience (work groups, projects, clubs or other groups) Experience with problem-solving methodologies (i.e., 5-Whys/Fishbone Analysis, Ishikawa, 8D)

Pay Range

Summary Pay Range: $81,370.00 - $122,060.00 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

• 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

Working Conditions

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Information

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

Posting Dates: August 19, 2026 - August 27, 2026

Drug Screening

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Age Policy

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Company Culture

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.