Career Pathways High School Program - Decatur - Quality Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.•Decatur, IL

About The Position

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.

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.