Manufacturing Project Engineer

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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.

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Project Engineer plays a key role in advancing operational performance by driving improvements in manufacturing processes, safety, and overall efficiency. This position partners closely with cross‑functional teams to lead initiatives that enhance production operations and support a safe, high‑performing work environment.

In this role, you will leverage your experience in manufacturing processes and operational excellence systems to identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions. You will collaborate across engineering, operations, and support teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of projects while maintaining a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement.

By combining technical expertise with a collaborative mindset, you will help strengthen manufacturing processes, support operational goals, and contribute to a culture of safety and performance excellence.

What You Will Do

• Research, develop, and deploy physical automation technologies to improve manufacturing process capability, efficiency, quality, and cost
• Support projects across robotics, automation systems, asset connectivity, machine learning, and vision‑based manufacturing applications
• Lead or contribute to automation initiatives supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and manufacturing transformation efforts
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to identify automation opportunities, gaps, and improvement potential
• Design, develop, test, and validate automation concepts, prototypes, and pilot systems prior to production deployment
• Support installation, commissioning, ramp‑up, and stabilization of automation equipment in manufacturing and supplier environments
• Apply structured problem‑solving techniques to identify root causes and implement corrective actions addressing Safety, Quality, Velocity, and Cost
• Collaborate with design engineering to influence Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA)
• Propose, lead, and support research projects aligned with MSODLF and STLF objectives
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to engineering teams, operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customers
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to technicians and less‑experienced engineers
• Stay current with emerging technologies and represent Caterpillar in external technical forums, supplier engagements, and benchmarking activities

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent knowledge gained through professional experience.

What Skills You Will Have

Technical Troubleshooting:

• Diagnose and resolve technical issues across manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems.
• Conduct root cause analysis using structured problem‑solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, RCCA) to address and prevent recurring issues.
• Analyze production data and system performance to identify failures, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (engineering, maintenance, operations) to implement corrective actions and sustainable solutions.
• Support troubleshooting during new product introductions and process changes to ensure smooth and stable operations.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking:

• Applies structured decision‑making techniques
• Identifies, organizes, and evaluates relevant data and alternatives
• Assesses risks and tradeoffs impacting manufacturing performance

Engineering – MFG:

• Assists with manufacturing problem resolution and supports drafting engineering specifications and standard practices.
• Works with routine manufacturing engineering tools, equipment, and processes.
• Performs basic installation, maintenance, and repair activities within a defined engineering function.
• Follows established engineering standards, policies, and procedures.
• Identifies and escalates unusual manufacturing or engineering issues to senior staff.

Additional Information

• Location: Mapleton, IL – 5 Days a Week Onsite
• Domestic relocation assistance is available
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position
• Up to 15% travel may be required

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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