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Piston Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-29

Piston information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$15

$27

How much do piston jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for piston in Indiana is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.62 and $16.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a piston?

Pistons are cylindrical components that move up and down inside the cylinders of an engine. They play a crucial role in converting the energy from combustion into mechanical motion that ultimately powers a vehicle or machine. The piston's movement helps compress the air-fuel mixture and transmits the resulting force to the crankshaft via the connecting rod. This process enables the engine to generate the power needed for motion.

What are some common challenges faced by piston engineers in maintaining optimal engine performance?

Piston Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing engine efficiency with durability, minimizing friction and wear, and ensuring pistons can withstand high temperatures and pressures. Staying updated with advancements in materials and manufacturing processes is also crucial, as is collaborating closely with design and testing teams to address issues that arise during prototyping or real-world operation. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a piston engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Piston Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and thermodynamics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS, and engine testing equipment is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient piston design, optimal engine performance, and successful collaboration in automotive or manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Piston vs Valve Technician?

AspectPistonValve Technician
Required CertificationsASE certifications, mechanical licensesASE certifications, mechanical licenses
Work EnvironmentEngine repair shops, manufacturing plantsAutomotive repair shops, industrial facilities
Industry UsageAutomotive, manufacturing, aerospaceAutomotive, industrial machinery

Both Piston and Valve Technicians require similar certifications and often work in automotive or manufacturing environments. However, pistons are primarily associated with engine components, while valve technicians focus on engine valves and related systems. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the mechanical repair industry.

Infographic showing various Piston job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,440 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

DWU - CMEP - Quality Assembly Associate Special Assignment - 2nd Shift

Cummins

Columbus, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Cummins rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary:

Provides front line technical support from a quality standpoint, improves product and component quality by collecting and analyzing measurement data

Key Responsibilities:

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Serves as line and floor support through answering questions related to product quality and monitoring, and ensuring operators perform tasks correctly. 
  • Performs Millipore cleanliness checks and reports results. 
  • Works with quality and manufacturing engineers to assess situation when parts are out of specification. 
  • Creates setups and performs dimensional checks on components using precision measuring equipment. 
  • Screens for containment of supplier part defects; sorts and reworks components to maintain production; ensures completeness of quality incident reports. 
  • Interface with measurement lab to verify nonconformance of components. 
  • Performs audits based on a prescribed checklist for defects. 
  • Actively works with shop operations teams, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, supplier quality improvement, customer quality assurance, warranty teams, product engineering, and other functions on finding solutions for defects associated with shop operations. 
  • Collects first Engine Serial Number information as necessary to support improvement activities. 
  • Performs repairs on-line and documents all repairs in system. 
  • Performs partial and complete engine teardowns; collects data, measures, and analyzes the condition of the various components. 
  • Knows and complies with departmental, site, and company policies and procedures including the proper wear and use of required personal protective equipment. 
  • Participates in training and personal development; assists in training department personnel. 
  • Participates in improvement projects; uses common problem solving techniques while working alone or in teams. 
  • Communicates effectively with the assigned team and with all the support teams. 
  • Maintains housekeeping and safety in work areas.
  • Remains flexible and performs other miscellaneous duties, as required, to get the job done. 
  • Completes work with minimal supervision. 
  • Operates within team-based work system and rotates job routine as needed.
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

Core Responsibilities include:

  • Engine inspection at the end-of-line for critical external features which includes but are not limited to wiring harness routing and connection, connection integrity for critical items related to the fuel system, and oil delivery and cooling system.

  • Repairs to defects found in the final inspection process. 

  • Scan engines at stage load to support shipping.

  • Customer satisfaction audit and associated reaction to findings

  • Engine teardown and component salvage

  • Collection and dispositioning of non-conforming materials

  • Inventory management

  • Running of engines in Audit test cells and associated activities, including PVA teardowns

  • Perform engine repairs on assembly line without impacting the assembly line, perform measurements and component salvage.

  • Perform offline engine repairs and component salvage, including piston repairs

  • Perform PMs and equipment/tools inspections, as required

  • Documentation of findings and repairs entries using INSPECT, CMES, etc in a timely manner

  • Support Quality investigations and campaigns

Skill or Experience Requirements needed for the role 

  • Must be able to stand/sit for extended periods of time.

  • Knowledge of the assembly process and product 

  • Must be able to operate a forklift, tugger, golf cart, hoist. 

  • Analytical thinking 

  • Commitment to task 

  • Teamwork

  • Decision making and problem solving 

  • Tolerance to ambiguity 

  • Consistently reliable and trustworthy 

Additional Skill or Experience Preferences that are nice to have but not required

  • Quality Inspection Certifications

  • Prior Experience on similar role

  • Licenses

Orientation: 8/7/2026 - 6:30am & 3pm at CR301

Selection will be based on a resume and interview process to determine the successful bidders based off qualifications AND it is mandatory that all potential candidates/bidders attend an on-shift orientation to learn more information regarding the position and have the opportunity to ask questions about the role.

All bids and/or de-selections must be submitted in MYHR by 7:00 am of the POSTING REMOVAL DATE.

Bids arriving late will NOT be honored.

Successful applicants will move on the 3rd Monday after selections are posted.

Successful candidates must remain in the position for a minimum of 18 months before regaining bid rights. At the end of the 18 months, the employee may be made permanent without reposting the position.

Must pass all related testing, if applicable.

Competencies: 

To be successful in this role you will need the following: 

  Communicates Effectively

  • Develop and deliver multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

  Courage

  • Step up to address difficult issues and say what needs to be said.

  Drives Results

  • Consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances.

  Ensures Accountability

  • Hold yourself and others accountable to meet commitments.

  Health and Safety Fundamentals

  • Champion and model proactive health and safety behaviors.
  • Identify, report, and participate in actions to improve health and safety.
  • Build an interdependent culture and contribute to an injury-free workplace.

  Manufacturing Knowledge

  • Demonstrate knowledge of manufacturing by correctly implementing changes in current processes, equipment, and applications.
  • Meet the function's needs and contribute toward continuous improvement.

  Values Differences

  • Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
    Education, Licenses, Certifications: 
    High school diploma, GED or equivalent required. Must pass all related testing.  
    Experience: 
    Minimal relevant experience required. Six months work experience preferred. 

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919