Lead Test Technician

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.

As a Lead Test Technician, you will lead and mentor a team responsible for complex testing and validation of large mining and construction equipment. Your technical expertise and leadership will drive precision, reliability, and high performance across all validation activities.

What you will do:

• Lead the execution of operational test plans and heavy equipment maintenance activities.
• Interpret and follow work instructions, repair manuals, engineering drawings/specifications, and solid models to support testing and validation.
• Identify potential issues, system/component failures, maintainability challenges, and failure modes in new products; communicate findings and suggest improvements to engineering teams.
• Mentor and train junior technicians in the safe and effective execution of shop operations.

What Skills You Will Have:

Manufacturing Operations:

Deep understanding of plant operations and production workflows.
• Supervise daily operations to meet targets.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure safety compliance.
• Recommend improvements based on industry benchmarks.

Heavy Equipment Maintenance:

Expert in maintaining heavy equipment to maximize performance and reliability.  Experience in heavy equipment testing, maintenance, or validation

• Improve maintenance procedures and develop routine checklists.

• Diagnose complex issues and provide technical guidance.

• Track ROI from maintenance activities.

• Train others in tools and techniques.

Coaching Others:

Skilled in mentoring individuals and teams to improve performance. Proven leadership or team lead experience.
• Provide coaching in specific technical areas.
• Monitor progress and give constructive feedback.
• Guide both high performers and those needing development.

Effective Communications:

Clear and professional communicator across teams and formats.
• Deliver constructive feedback and listen actively.
• Write reports and present ideas clearly.
• Adapt style for different audiences.

Standard Operating Procedures:

Able to develop and improve SOPs to boost operational efficiency.
• Adjust procedures based on workflow and compliance needs.
• Track deviations and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Support continuous improvement efforts.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking:

Strong analytical thinking to support sound decision-making.
• Apply critical thinking tools to assess risks and options.
• Prioritize issues and propose effective solutions.

Problem Solving:

Experienced in resolving high-impact technical and process issues. Proficiency in interpreting engineering documentation and CAD models.

• Lead problem-solving efforts using structured approaches.
• Capture lessons learned and recommend long-term fixes.

Troubleshooting Technical Problems:

Advanced ability to detect and resolve technical equipment issues. Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Diagnose and resolve complex machine failures.
• Use advanced diagnostic tools and coach others on troubleshooting methods.

Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work full-time at Tucson Proving Ground, Green Valley, AZ.

This position may require 5-10 % travel.

Relocation is not available.

Sponsorship is not available.

Summary Pay Range:

$71,040.00 - $106,440.00

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 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

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

April 10, 2025 - April 24, 2025

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

EEO/AA Employer.  All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.

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