Torque Application Engineer

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.
About LPSD
The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufacture large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide.
Job Summary
The Torque Engineer develops, validates, controls, and continuously improves fastening and torque management systems used in manufacturing operations. The role helps ensure bolted joint integrity, assembly process capability, product quality, and compliance with applicable quality requirements through engineering analysis, statistical methods, torque tool certification, and fastening-system optimization.
The position serves as a technical resource for torque-controlled assembly processes and collaborates with manufacturing, quality, product engineering, supplier quality, tooling, and operations teams to improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost performance. This post will close on 11/4/2026 at 11:59pm ET.
What you will do:
Torque Control and Validation
Develop and maintain torque control plans for production assembly processes
Analyze and validate torque and angle specifications using approved engineering methods and software
Determine appropriate fastening strategies for new and existing products
Evaluate bolted joint performance and recommend design or process improvements
Ensure controlled and monitored torque tooling is applied appropriately for critical joint applications
Process Capability and Certification
Lead torque tool certification and qualification activities
Perform capability studies, including 30-piece statistical evaluations, to verify tooling and process performance
Establish inspection frequencies and reaction plans based on process capability and risk
Support recertification following repairs, maintenance, or process changes
Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement
Analyze torque audit results, manufacturing data, and assembly performance trends
Use statistical tools to assess process capability and identify improvement opportunities
Develop reports and dashboards that communicate fastening-system performance
Lead corrective-action investigations for torque-related quality concerns
Drive projects that reduce defects, rework, warranty exposure, and assembly variation
Quality Assurance and Auditing
Conduct static and dynamic torque inspections and audits
Monitor repeatability performance and investigate process deviations.
Support quality management system requirements associated with torque-controlled assembly processes
Maintain compliance with documented procedures, calibration controls, and traceability requirements
New Product Introduction Support
Participate in product launches and engineering changes that require fastening validation
Evaluate assembly risks associated with new joints, materials, coatings, and fastening methods
Support APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plan, and production-validation activities related to fastening systems
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Supplier Quality, Operations, and Tooling teams
Provide technical leadership during problem-solving activities related to assembly quality issues
Mentor manufacturing personnel on torque-control principles and standard work
Communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to engineering and manufacturing leadership
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, quality engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent
What you will have:
Technical Experience
Experience in manufacturing, assembly engineering, quality engineering, or fastening-system applications
Working knowledge of bolted-joint design and fastening principles
Experience with torque tool certification, calibration, and process validation
Understanding of statistical analysis, process capability, and measurement systems
Technical Skills
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Statistical analysis using Minitab or equivalent software
Process capability studies, including Cpk and Ppk
Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
Torque auditing techniques
Calibration and traceability requirements
Structured quality problem-solving methods
Microsoft Office and data-reporting tools
Behavioral Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Clear written and verbal communication
Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams
Effective project management and organization
Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality excellence
Top candidates will also have:
Advanced degree in Engineering or a related technical field
Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification
Experience with Caterpillar fastening specifications and manufacturing systems
Experience with electronic torque monitoring and traceability systems
Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Lean Manufacturing principles
Experience supporting engine, drivetrain, machine, or heavy-equipment assembly operations
Familiarity with Fastener Advisor and bolted-joint analysis methods
Experience developing Power BI dashboards and manufacturing analytics
Key Deliverables:
Certified and compliant torque tools across assigned manufacturing operations
Completed torque capability studies and validation activities
Accurate torque control plans, inspection frequencies, and reaction plans
Reduction of torque-related defects, rework, and warranty incidents
Completed static and dynamic torque audit programs
Timely investigation and closure of torque-related quality concerns
Implemented fastening improvements that support safety, quality, velocity, and cost objectives
Current calibration, certification, and traceability records
Torque performance dashboards and key performance indicators
Technical support for new product introductions and engineering changes that affect fastening systems
Additional Information:
This position is in Lafayette, IN
Relocation assistance is available for this position
This position may require up to 10% travel
Informational calls with the hiring manager are encouraged for this position
This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act." #LI
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 S