Laboratory Maintenance 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. Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. PSLD is responsible for the worldwide distribution of Cat aftermarket parts, integrated logistics, and global service to develop and support our global dealer network and customers. As the Laboratory Maintenance Technician, you will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, calibrating, and optimizing laboratory instrumentation and support equipment within Caterpillar’s Scheduled Oil Sampling (SOS) Laboratory. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and uptime of analytical equipment used to evaluate product fluid samples that support customer equipment health and predictive maintenance programs. The Laboratory Maintenance Technician performs preventative and corrective maintenance activities, manages calibration programs, and serves as the primary technical resource for laboratory equipment performance. This individual works closely with laboratory leadership, testing personnel, equipment manufacturers, procurement teams, and external service providers to maximize instrument availability, minimize downtime, and support operational excellence. The role contributes to inventory management, root cause failure analysis, Lean initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts that enhance laboratory productivity, quality, and turnaround times. Additional Information: Location: Peoria, IL (United States) Required Travel: Up to 25% (Domestic/International) Relocation Assistance Offered: Candidates requiring relocation are encouraged to apply; relocation support may be considered on a case-by-case basis for qualified applicants. US Work Authorization Sponsorship Offered: None. What You Will Do: Preventative Maintenance & Calibration (60%): Inspect, service, and maintain laboratory testing instrumentation to maximize equipment reliability and runtime. Log all maintenance history and calibration compliance. Train and guide Laboratory Manager’s and lab personnel on the proper daily care, handling, and basic maintenance of instrumentation. Liaison with OEMs when equipment requires specialized outside service. Monitor maintenance activity, track equipment downtime costs, and report instrument availability to upper management. Reactionary Maintenance & Troubleshooting (20%): Diagnose hardware and software issues dynamically to determine if repairs can be addressed internally or require vendor intervention. Perform Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) to understand why an instrument failed and prevent recurrence. Swiftly resolve emergency equipment breakdowns to minimize impact on sample testing turnaround times. Purchasing, Inventory & Continuous Improvement (20%): Manage the spare parts inventory, standardizing the parts ordering process to maintain cost-efficiency while reducing wait times for critical repairs. Collaborate with procurement to establish backup suppliers for high-priority items. Support Lean and 5S initiatives, working collaboratively across cross-functional lab teams to implement efficiency upgrades. Other duties as assigned by Caterpillar management from time to time. What You Have (Basic Requirements): Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Applied Science, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience will also be considered. 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. Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes. 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. What Will Set You Apart (Preferred Qualifications): Strong technical aptitude for troubleshooting scientific equipment, working with CMMS networks, and interpreting technical manuals; ability to work under tight production deadlines. Service Excellence: Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Mechanical/Machinery: Knowledge of machines and tools; ability to use knowledge of machinery or mechanical objects including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. What You Will Get: Through it all, we are one team – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience . 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. #LI #BI Summary Pay Range: $89,210.00 - $133,810.00 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 This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: November 13, 2026 - November 26, 2026 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .