Career Area:
Business Services
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.
Caterpillar Career Pathways Program
The 12‑month Caterpillar Career Pathways Program is designed to provide high school rising seniors with an opportunity to build foundational work skills in preparation for a long‑term career in the manufacturing trades at Caterpillar.
Selected students will participate in a multi‑phase program that develops both technical and non‑technical competencies needed for full‑time employment in welding and manufacturing upon high school graduation.
Program Structure
Participants will receive high school credit and a paid hourly wage from Caterpillar while gaining classroom and hands‑on experience throughout three phases:
- Phase I: Summer Internship
- Phase II: Fall Semester Co‑Op – For High School Credit
- Phase III: Spring Semester Co‑Op – For High School Credit
Quality Specialist
The Quality Specialist plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of Caterpillar’s manufactured components and assemblies. This position performs a variety of inspection, analysis, and verification activities to support high‑quality production standards.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform inspections to verify the quality and accuracy of in‑process parts, assemblies, materials, prime products, and gaging equipment.
- Check machine setups when required to ensure alignment with specifications.
- Analyze issues arising from defective materials, assembly difficulties, faulty methods, or Field Service concerns, and recommend corrective actions.
- Audit and analyze quality data where work output is inconsistent or below standard, recommending or initiating process improvements.
- Inspect, accept, or reject all purchased gages and gaging equipment.
- Repair gages and certify results when necessary.
- Use advanced mathematical calculations and precision inspection tools to perform detailed part layout and confirm dimensional relationships.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance quality and reduce defects.
What Participants Gain
- Hands‑on experience in manufacturing operations
- Development of mechanical aptitude
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Paid work experience while earning high school credit
- Preparation for long‑term manufacturing careers at Caterpillar
Summary Pay Range:
$0.00 - $0.00
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:
March 6, 2026 - March 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
