Quality & Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Position Summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Quality & Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the next evolution of product testing and validation at the Tucson Proving Ground. In this role, you will deliver trusted, world‑class test data that drives confident engineering decisions, accelerates advanced technologies, and improves safety and productivity for our customers.

• Serve as the site leader for validation quality, laboratory integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high standards of quality, responsiveness, and credibility.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, and customers Product Groups to deliver data‑driven solutions to complex challenges.

• Lead and sustain an ISO 17025–accredited Quality Management System.
• Ensure audit readiness by driving internal and external audit execution.
• Identify nonconformances and implement effective, sustainable corrective actions.
• Ensure all validation processes, data collection, and reporting meet Caterpillar and regulatory standards.
• Establish and monitor quality metrics tied to safety, process excellence and outcomes.

• Lead Built‑In Quality (BIQ) strategy and deployment across validation and technical services.
• Embed BIQ into daily operations as a mindset—not a program.
• Use data, defect trends, and analytics to identify root causes and prevent defects upstream.
• Validate improvement effectiveness through early detection and defect elimination.
• Champion Lean and Six Sigma initiatives aligned to customer value and risk reduction.

• Ensure validation methods and workflows are robust, repeatable, and credible.
• Oversee test integrity and readiness, including:
  • Calibration and instrumentation
  • Contamination control
  • Torque and weld quality
  • Pre‑delivery inspection standards
  • Enable safe, reliable data collection to support engineering decisions and product improvements
  • Partner with Operations to improve process capability and execution

• Lead a multidisciplinary team including Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Lean, Training, and Site IT.
• Develop team capability, engagement, and future leaders.
• Manage operating and capital budgets aligned with quality and site priorities.
• Set and balance priorities across programs, optimizing for safety, risk, cost, and delivery.

• Technical Excellence: Experience in quality, manufacturing, engineering validation, or technical services leadership. Strong background in ISO based Quality Management Systems (ISO 17025 strongly preferred). Deep understanding of engineering validation processes, laboratory operations, and manufacturing flow.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated use of RCCA, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies. Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risk, evaluate alternatives, and guide informed decisions.
• Effective Communications: Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical detail into customer‑focused outcomes.
• Managing People: Ability to lead cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Project Management: Track record of building a quality culture where accountability, learning, and continuous improvement thrive.

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Engineering or Business.

Primary work location:
Tucson Proving Ground – Green Valley, AZ
, with a requirement to work on‑site full‑time at a Caterpillar facility.

Domestic relocation assistance is available.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

Schedule:

9/80 work schedule, providing an extra day off every other week equivalent to 26 additional days off per year.

Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not available.

• 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.

Benefits are subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.