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.
Your Work Shapes Our World
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. Join us.
Want to build YOUR career?! LOOK at Caterpillar! We are looking for candidates just like you that want to build more than machines. This is a terrific opportunity to join the Caterpillar North Little Rock, AR team as a Met Lab Tech – Quality Specialist IV on our 1st shift team earning day ONE benefits and a starting wage of $23.45/hour.
This position works under general supervision to assemble/test parts, components, or systems for wheel loaders and motor graders according to the specified work orders. This position is for the assembly line at the North Little Rock, AR site.
Pay Rate and Schedule:
- The position includes a wage of $23.45/hour and a comprehensive benefit program!
- Openings available on 1st shift: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Overtime opportunities may be available on a voluntary basis based on business needs and with leader prior authorization.
As a Quality Specialist IV, you will perform ultrasonic inspection of fabricated components for NLR manufacturing processes, perform chemical concentration testing and adjust as needed, conduct fluid testing for bulk deliveries and validate prime product machine fluid requirements, and apply Caterpillar engineering drawings, specifications, and standards to judge conformance of NLR products.
In this role, you will:
- Perform ultrasonic testing of fabricated components to determine internal weld quality. Testing will be done on components manufactured at NLR and components purchased from external suppliers.
- Conduct visual weld inspection of fabricated components to determine external weld quality.
- Apply engineering drawings and specifications to determine conformance of components and features.
- Create detailed records of defects with part numbers, written descriptions, and photographs documented in the Caterpillar All Quality Events (AQE) database.
- Communicate inspection results to operations department colleagues and management. Provide feedback in a constructive and diplomatic fashion.
- Perform chemical concentration testing and make adjustments to ensure process capability.
- Conduct fluid testing on bulk deliveries and for prime product machine fluid verification.
- Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with coworkers and customers.
What you will have:
- At least one year of experience is required in one of the following areas: Quality Inspection, Welding and Fabrication, Machining, Assembly, Paint, or Torque Tooling.
- Able to work on one’s feet and walk between areas for an entire shift (occasionally up to 12 hours).
- Ability to use a keyboard, reach above shoulders, below the waist, and safely lift up to 35 pounds unassisted.
Top Candidates will also have:
- Previous Ultrasonic Testing (UT) experience and certification is highly desirable.
- Additional work experience in Quality or Welding.
- Experience reading engineering drawings and Cat 1E specifications (particularly for welding) is highly desirable. Understanding of GD&T also desirable.
- Experience with use of manual measurement devices (weld gauges, calipers, micrometers, refractometers, pH/conductivity meters).
- Computer literacy with proficiency in SAP-ME, AQE, and Microsoft Excel is highly desirable. Experience using online Caterpillar drawings (EPIX) and 1E Specifications (in REDI) also highly desirable.
- Understanding and experience with the root cause and corrective action (RCCA) issue resolution process is highly desirable.
- Must be able to prioritize tasks, be self-motivated, and able to work independently to meet the needs of the facility.
NEXT STEPS:
- Discuss your desire to apply for this job with your supervisor. You must have your supervisor’s approval before applying for this position.
- Complete your application online through Workday before the closing date.
- All applicants will be reviewed and screened based on the above requirements.
- Interviews with top candidates will take place shortly after the closing date.
All eligible candidates MUST pass the following pre-employment screenings before they can be hired to Caterpillar:
- Background Screening
- Drug Screening
- Post-Offer Medical Questionnaire (clearance from Corporate Medical)
What you will get:
Our goal at Caterpillar is for YOU to have a rewarding career. Here you earn more than just an hourly wage because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides DAY ONE benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K). Additional benefits include paid holidays and paid time off (prorated based upon hire date).
Final details
Resumes (Most recent) are highly encouraged. Please do not submit a blank application (no work history or resume attached) as this may lead to disqualification. Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in (Be sure to keep your username and password when you initially apply) on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O
Not ready to apply? Submit your information to our Talent Network here .
Summary Pay Range:
$23.45 - $29.35
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:
December 8, 2025 - January 11, 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.
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