Quality Technician - 1st Shift - Reactive Quality

Caterpillar; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid training starting day one

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Quality Technician 1 in Paint to join our Sanford, NC team. You will inspect painted components, repair minor defects and flag major issues for repair while performing root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.

You will apply lean manufacturing practices and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives on a daily basis. You will gather data, prepare reports for calibration and analysis, and support standard work across shifts.

Qualifications

• Must have prior powder coat paint experience.
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive operations.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Experience reading blueprints/engineering drawings.
• Experience in a quality discipline.
• Experience operating inspection equipment and gauges.
• Experience in data collection and report creation.

Responsibilities

• Inspect the quality of painted components and repair minor defects.
• Flag major defects for repair and perform root cause analysis.
• Follow lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and standard work to solve problems.
• Gather data and produce calibration, analysis and reporting documents.

Job description

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.

What you will do:

As a Quality Technician 1 in Paint, you will inspect the quality of painted components, repair minor defects and flag major defects for repair and perform root cause analysis to investigate quality issues. You will follow lean manufacturing, continuous improvement idea reporting, waste elimination and standard work to problem solve and complete job tasks. You will gather data and produce reports for calibration, analysis and review.

What you have:

• Prior powder coat paint experience
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
• Ability to perform repetitive operations
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Top candidates will also have:

• Experience in topcoat, prime coat and electrostatic paint and related defects identification
• Ability to read blueprints / engineering drawings
• Experience in a quality discipline
• Experience operating inspection equipment and gauges
• Experience in data collection and report creation

What you will get:

You have a lot to offer, so we offer a commitment in return to you as a professional - and as a person. We offer competitive wages, quarterly bonus, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) paid holidays, paid time off and paid training that begin on day one of employment!

1st Shift Starting Pay

$20.20

**Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs**

Additional Information

• Successful candidates must pass an online assessment, interview, background check, drug screen and medical review.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we have been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range:

$20.20 - $25.25

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:

October 16, 2026 - October 23, 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.