Quality Technician - 1st Shift - Reactive Quality
Caterpillar · Sanford, NC
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Quality
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 7 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level quality role at Caterpillar (industrial) in Sanford, NC. You will inspect the quality of painted components, repair minor defects and flag major defects for repair and perform root cause analysis to investigate quality issues.
- Tools it names
- Lean, Root cause
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 12 other live quality postings in North Carolina.
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Similar roles usually ask 2+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 54%
- FDA / GMP 31%
- SAP 23%
- PPAP 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at Caterpillar
We found 4 people at this company and state: 1 on the team, 3 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Jorge → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
- How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Caterpillar in Sanford
4 other open roles at this site · 4 people we found on the quality team.
- 3rd Shift Assembly Production Manager · Production · Manager
- Assembly Technician 3rd Shift · Manufacturing · Technician
- 3rd Shift Senior Assembly Production Manager · Production · Manager
- Manufacturing Engineer – Sanford Advanced Manufacturing · Manufacturing
Full description from CaterpillarAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
What you will do
As a Quality Technician 1 in Paint, you will inspect the quality of painted components, repair minor defects and flag major defects for repair and perform root cause analysis to investigate quality issues. You will follow lean manufacturing, continuous improvement idea reporting, waste elimination and standard work to problem solve and complete job tasks. You will gather data and produce reports for calibration, analysis and review.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Career Area
Operations
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.
What you have
- •Prior powder coat paint experience
- •Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
- •Ability to perform repetitive operations
- •Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
Top candidates will also have
- •Experience in topcoat, prime coat and electrostatic paint and related defects identification
- •Ability to read blueprints / engineering drawings
- •Experience in a quality discipline
- •Experience operating inspection equipment and gauges
- •Experience in data collection and report creation
What you will get
You have a lot to offer, so we offer a commitment in return to you as a professional – and as a person. We offer competitive wages, quarterly bonus, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) paid holidays, paid time off and paid training that begin on day one of employment!
1st Shift Starting Pay : $20.20
- •*Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs**
Additional Information
- •Resumes are encouraged. Do not submit a blank application (no work history / resume). This may lead to disqualification.
- •Successful candidates must pass an online assessment, interview, background check, drug screen and medical review.
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Summary Pay Range
$20.20 - $25.25
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
October 16, 2026 - October 23, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .