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Problem Solving Jobs in Lafayette, IN (NOW HIRING)

fng

Manufacturing Controls Technician

Veedersburg, IN

$28.75 - $37.75/hr

Problem Solving * Excellent dexterity * Technical Capacity * Analytical * Accountability and Dependability Job Duties * Test, troubleshoot, and oversee implementation of new processes * Install ...

fng

Manufacturing Controls Technician

Veedersburg, IN

$28.75 - $37.75/hr

Problem Solving * Excellent dexterity * Technical Capacity * Analytical * Accountability and Dependability Job Duties * Test, troubleshoot, and oversee implementation of new processes * Install ...

fng

Manufacturing Controls Technician

Veedersburg, IN · On-site

$28.75 - $37.75/hr

Problem Solving * Excellent dexterity * Technical Capacity * Analytical * Accountability and Dependability Job Duties * Test, troubleshoot, and oversee implementation of new processes * Install ...

Varsity Tutors

GED Math Tutor

West Lafayette, IN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Strategic Test-Taking & Problem-Solving: Skilled at teaching calculator usage strategies, word problem translation into mathematical expressions, and graph interpretation for the GED Math test.

Subaru

Production Team Leader 2nd Shift

Lafayette, IN

$18 - $24.75/hr

Mastering all jobs/skills of the team in order to train, relieve, and assist team members, and to act as a technical problem-solving resource. * Maintaining required records to document activities in ...

Varsity Tutors

Statics Tutor

West Lafayette, IN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at breaking down free body diagram construction, force resolution, and equilibrium equation setup. Guides students through analyzing two-dimensional and ...

Varsity Tutors

Competition Math Tutor

West Lafayette, IN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain problem-solving heuristics, pigeonhole principle, and proof techniques while preparing students for competitive mathematics advancement. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving:

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Problem Solving information

What is problem solving in a professional context?

Problem solving in a professional context refers to the process of identifying challenges or obstacles and finding effective solutions to address them. It typically involves analyzing the root cause of an issue, brainstorming possible options, evaluating alternatives, and implementing the best solution. Strong problem-solving skills are highly valued by employers because they enable individuals and teams to overcome setbacks and improve efficiency. This competency is essential in nearly every industry and job role, helping organizations adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

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

To excel as a professional problem solver, you need strong analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and a relevant educational background in your field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, process improvement methodologies (such as Six Sigma), and project management systems is often essential. Creativity, effective communication, and adaptability are important soft skills that help in generating solutions and collaborating with stakeholders. These abilities enable you to identify root causes, propose actionable solutions, and drive successful outcomes in complex business environments.

How does a problem-solving specialist typically collaborate with other departments to address organizational challenges?

Problem-solving specialists often work closely with teams across various departments, acting as facilitators during cross-functional meetings to identify root causes of issues and develop actionable solutions. Collaboration is key, as they must gather insights from subject matter experts, coordinate with project managers, and communicate recommendations to leadership. Building trust and maintaining open communication channels are essential for ensuring that solutions are both practical and effectively implemented. This collaborative approach not only enhances the specialist's understanding of the organization but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Problem Solving vs Data Analyst?

AspectProblem SolvingData Analyst
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationBachelor's degree in data science, statistics, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcross industries, often in team settingsCorporate, finance, marketing, or tech sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in problem-solving roles across many industriesCommon in data-driven roles within various industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding problem-solving skills vs data analysisComparing problem-solving skills with data analysis expertise

Problem Solving involves identifying and resolving issues across various contexts, often requiring critical thinking and creativity. Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to inform business decisions, requiring analytical skills and technical knowledge. While both roles require strong problem-solving abilities, Data Analysts specialize in data interpretation and analysis, making their skill sets complementary but distinct.

What cities near Lafayette, IN are hiring for Problem Solving jobs? Cities near Lafayette, IN with the most Problem Solving job openings:
Problem Solving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Problem Solving job openings in Lafayette, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Senior Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar

Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 476 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Procurement
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.
Role Definition:
We are seeking a Supplier Development Engineer. This person will assess supplier quality and ensure that all the products are free from defects and are in compliance with manufacturing specifications and legal standards.
What you will do:
  • Ensuring the quality of supplies by conducting tests and assessments on incoming supplies to identify any quality issues; Developing supplier inspection, testing, and evaluation mechanism.
  • Generating reports on supplier quality, by monitoring their defect rates and areas that can lead to potential flaws; Guiding suppliers to reduce these defect rates.
  • Researching the potential vendors, assessing their manufacturing environment, practices, and procedures; Conducting supplier quality control audits to ensure compliance with organizational and federal policies and standards.
  • Supporting suppliers in improving their performance through process enhancements, implementing process controls, and developing quality assurance plans.

What you will have:
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.
Level Extensive Experience:
  • Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching.
  • Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.
  • Demonstrates both empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.
  • Communicates well downward, upward, and outward.
  • Employs appropriate methods of persuasion when soliciting agreement.
  • Maintains focus on the topic at hand.

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.
Level Extensive Experience:
  • Ensures capture of lessons to be learned from a problem-solving effort.
  • Organizes potential problem solvers and leads problem resolution efforts.
  • Uses varying problem-solving approaches and techniques as appropriate.
  • Contributes to standard practices for problem-solving approaches, tools, and processes.
  • Analyzes and synthesizes information and devises alternative resolution strategies.
  • Develops successful resolutions to critical or wide-impact problems.

Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintains focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.
Level Extensive Experience:
  • Streamlines the critical workflow for executing key processes.
  • Sets priorities for addressing process problems that limit performance.
  • Develops methods for improving and establishing controls for critical processes.
  • Monitors external sources for applicable new methods and controls.
  • Analyzes findings from improvement cycles to ensure success of interventions.
  • Coaches others to develop the skills to improve processes.

Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance.
Level Extensive Experience:
  • Ensures communication vehicles are effectively informing affected areas and personnel.
  • Consults on development and implementation of cross-functional standards.
  • Participates in the development of organizational policies and practices.
  • Develops and uses control and monitoring mechanisms for adherence.
  • Collaborates with other functions on establishing and documenting joint standards.
  • Participates in defining architectural principles and standards for organization.

Supplier Management - MFG: Knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice.
Level Extensive Experience:
  • Facilitates supplier partnering arrangements that share risk and reward.
  • Monitors supplier performance; works to resolve discrepancies between performance and agreements.
  • Develops quality standards and controls for suppliers.
  • Builds and maintains partnerships with multiple and/or large suppliers.
  • Evaluates issues and terminates supplier relationships as appropriate; works with legal departments.
  • Ensures the fulfillment of report and record-keeping requirements.

Supplier Evaluations and Certification: Knowledge of supplier evaluations and certification; ability to identify the methods, tools and documentation for evaluating, selecting and certifying vendors, suppliers and partners.
Level Expert:
  • Leads discussions on the case studies of effective and ineffective processes and what can be learned from each.
  • Designs systematic protocols and procedures for supplier evaluations & certification in the organization.
  • Establishes organizational standards, metrics and best practices for supplier evaluations & certification in the organization.
  • Advocates the development of new technologies and tools for supplier evaluations and certification.
  • Creates a system to document the performance and quality of existing suppliers and products.
  • Predicts the future trends of supplier evaluations & certification.

Top Candidates May Have:
  • Prior Supplier Development Experience
  • Manufacturing Experience - Experience running machinery, evaluating machinery, setting up machinery, troubleshooting machinery, etc.
  • ASQ Certification

Additional Information:
  • This position may require travel up to 30%

Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
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:
July 30, 2026 - August 13, 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.

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