Torque Application Engineer

Caterpillar · Lafayette · $97,530–$146,290 (stated in the posting)

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Career Area:

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:

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 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:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

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

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