Quality Engineer - Metrology

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.
Role Definition:
The Metrology Quality Engineer performs advanced metrology, measurement systems analysis, and quality engineering activities to ensure the accuracy, capability, and integrity of measurement systems used to verify materials, processes, and products. Develops, implements, and maintains measurement methods, gauge strategies, and metrology standards that support Built-In Quality (BIQ), defect prevention, and customer satisfaction.
What You Will Do:
Work in a team environment to develop and implement metrology best practices that emphasize defect prevention, reduction in variation, measurement system capability, and continuous improvement in meeting customer requirements.
Develop, validate, and maintain measurement methods and programs for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical systems, surface roughness equipment, vision systems, and other advanced metrology technologies.
Conduct Measurement System Analysis (MSA) activities including Gage R&R, bias, linearity, stability, and correlation studies to ensure measurement systems are capable and fit for purpose.
Lead gauge correlation activities between production, supplier, laboratory, and customer measurement systems to establish measurement alignment and data credibility.
Analyze measurement-related non-conformance data and provide technical guidance to Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, and Supplier Quality teams.
Support Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations by serving as the technical authority on measurement methods, measurement error, and acceptance criteria.
Participate in and provide technical support for internal, external, supplier, and customer audits related to metrology systems, measurement controls, and quality management requirements.
Develop and maintain metrology procedures, work instructions, standards, calibration requirements, and quality system documentation.
Evaluate emerging measurement technologies and support capital equipment justification, purchasing decisions, and implementation plans.
Provide technical leadership for interpretation of dimensional, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), surface finish, and other product characteristics requiring advanced measurement techniques.
Degree Requirement:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Metrology, Manufacturing, Quality, or related technical field, or equivalent experience.
What Skills You Have:
Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
Accurately evaluates measurement uncertainty and understands the impact of measurement error on product acceptance decisions.
Utilizes established methods for verifying data integrity, validating measurement results, and confirming program accuracy.
Processes technical metrology data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Identifies discrepancies between measurement methods and initiates corrective actions as appropriate.
Develops and utilizes validation plans, checklists, and correlation studies to ensure reliable measurement outcomes.
Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
Demonstrates experience working across Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Supplier Quality organizations.
Facilitates measurement reviews and technical discussions to reach alignment on measurement strategies and acceptance criteria.
Assists in communicating measurement system risks and opportunities with diverse audiences.
Promotes collaboration across facilities, suppliers, and customers to improve measurement consistency.
Supports business objectives through effective cross-functional problem solving and technical leadership.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Applies measurement science principles to evaluate and select appropriate measurement methods.
Analyzes measurement capability and risk prior to implementing measurement systems.
Identifies potential measurement-related failure modes and recommends practical solutions.
Uses data-driven analysis to determine measurement suitability and acceptance criteria.
Demonstrates sound judgment when resolving conflicting measurement results and technical disagreements.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.
Adapts effectively to evolving metrology technologies, product requirements, and manufacturing processes.
Demonstrates willingness to evaluate and implement new measurement approaches.
Remains effective when balancing multiple priorities and changing business needs.
Supports continuous improvement initiatives that challenge existing measurement practices.
Embraces technical learning opportunities to expand metrology expertise.
Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Investigates measurement-related issues using structured problem-solving methods.
Identifies root causes of measurement variation, correlation failures, and gauge performance concerns.
Develops and evaluates alternative measurement strategies based on technical and business requirements.
Assesses risks and benefits of proposed measurement solutions.
Applies statistical analysis, MSA tools, and technical diagnostic methods to drive decision making.
Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
Manages metrology-related projects from planning through implementation and validation.
Coordinates MSA studies, gauge implementation activities, and technology deployment projects.
Defines project objectives, deliverables, schedules, and resource requirements.
Monitors project milestones and communicates status to stakeholders.
Supports capital equipment projects and metrology laboratory improvement initiatives.
Quality Management System (QMS): Knowledge of Quality Management System's (QMS) functions, features, and capabilities; ability to design, implement, test, and maintain Quality Management Systems to consistently meet customer requirements and regulatory compliances.
Applies QMS requirements to measurement systems, calibration programs, and metrology procedures.
Maintains documentation supporting measurement methods, validation activities, and audit compliance.
Analyzes quality indicators and metrics associated with measurement system performance.
Ensures compliance with applicable customer, industry, and corporate quality requirements.
Supports continuous improvement of measurement-related quality system processes.
Metrology and Measurement Systems: Knowledge of dimensional metrology, measurement technologies, statistical measurement analysis, and measurement system capability; ability to develop, validate, and maintain reliable measurement systems.
Demonstrates proficiency with CMMs, optical measurement systems, vision systems, surface roughness equipment, and other advanced metrology technologies.
Conducts Gage R&R, bias, linearity, stability, and correlation studies.
Understands GD&T principles and their application to measurement strategy development.
Evaluates measurement uncertainty and its impact on product acceptance decisions.
Serves as a technical resource for measurement method selection, gauge strategy, and data credibility.
Top Candidates May Also Have:
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and/or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).
ISO/IATF 16949 quality management systems experience.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt Certification.
Position Information:
This position requires the selected candidate to work o