Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Title: Quality Engineer

Location: Lafayette, Indianapolis (Onsite)

Client: Caterpillar

Position Overview

The Quality Department is seeking a motivated junior-level candidate, ranging from a recent graduate to 5 years of experience, to support quality initiatives. This role focuses on identifying defects on the shop floor, performing root cause analysis, and ensuring corrective and preventive actions are implemented effectively. The Quality Engineer will play a critical role in both proactive quality assurance (defect prevention) and reactive problem-solving (real-time issue investigation), ensuring high-quality standards aligned with Caterpillar’s quality strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and document defects on the shop floor and trace similar issues in previously built units.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate non-conformance data effectively.
• Perform root cause analysis and investigate quality issues using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely resolution of quality concerns.
• Proactive approach toward defect prevention and quality improvement.
• Support the implementation of best practices focused on defect prevention, variation reduction, and waste elimination.
• Willingness to work on the shop floor and engage with production teams.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Ability to identify issues and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Capability to document problems and propose practical solutions.
• Understanding of different stakeholder perspectives while analyzing issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 0–7 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or quality engineering.
• Basic understanding of quality tools such as root cause analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone, etc.
• Exposure to manufacturing processes and shop floor environment preferred.