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.
Quality Manager – Lower Power Train
Location: Decatur, IL
Travel: Up to 5%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
As a Quality Manager based in Decatur, Illinois, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for quality systems, product integrity, and continuous improvement across large‑scale manufacturing operations. This role is critical to ensuring Built‑In Quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction for complex equipment and components. You will lead quality teams, partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Product Support, and drive systemic defect prevention using data‑driven methodologies. Success in this role requires strong floor credibility, structured problem‑solving capability, and the ability to translate quality strategy into measurable business results. This is an on‑site leadership role within a high‑volume, safety‑critical manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute site‑level quality strategy aligned to manufacturing and enterprise objectives
- Own, deploy, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS)
- Drive Built‑In Quality (BIQ), defect prevention, and stop‑capability across production operations
- Lead cross‑functional root cause analysis and corrective actions using structured problem‑solving tools (DMAIC, 5‑Why, Fishbone, Pareto)
- Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to ensure robust process controls, error‑proofing, and standard work
- Lead, coach, and develop Quality Engineers, Quality Analysts, and frontline quality leaders
- Analyze quality metrics, audits, warranty data, and customer feedback to identify trends and systemic improvement opportunities
- Support new product introductions, process changes, and supplier quality initiatives
- Promote a strong quality and safety culture across all shifts and operations
Required Skills
- Quality Management System (QMS): Ability to design, implement, test, and maintain Quality Management Systems to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
- Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze information, evaluate risks and alternatives, and make sound, data‑based decisions.
- Problem Solving: Understanding of structured problem‑solving approaches and escalation practices to resolve quality and process issues.
- Effective Communications: Ability to communicate clearly through reports and presentations while adjusting communication style based on audience needs.
- Planning and Organizing: Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work activities and resources to meet quality objectives.
- Performance Management: Working knowledge of performance management concepts, processes, and feedback practices.
Preferred Skills
- Demonstrated leadership abilities- Zero Injury & Stop-to-Fix mindset
- Understanding of ISO requirements and the Caterpillar Quality Management System (CQMS).
- Lean BIQ understanding
- Basic blueprint reading skills, understanding of GD&T, and ability to interpret CMM reports.
- General understanding of Fabrications, Machining, Paint, and Assembly functions.
- Knowledge of Caterpillar manufacturing systems such as AQE, ETQ, MES, REDI, BIMS, etc.
- Understanding of APQP principles.
- Good communication, interpersonal, teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of employees and customers and promote inclusiveness.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- Ability to analyze data and create reports using Tableau, PowerBl, etc.
- Experience with operating and programming Metrology Equipment (Vision Systems, CMM, 3D laser & Blue light Scanners)
Summary Pay Range:
$97,530.00 - $146,290.00
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:
April 13, 2026 - April 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.
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