Caterpillar, Inc

Engineering Project Team Leader

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum.
  • 5+ years in project management involving high-risk, high-cost projects.
  • Experience in leading cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Technical expertise in product design and development processes from concept to production.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and manage project requirements and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

  • Define project scope for Heavy Structures addressing business needs.
  • Lead Go See Act workshops for product development processes.
  • Develop and optimize heavy structure concepts focused on improving automation efficiency.
  • Coordinate resources across product development and manufacturing teams.
  • Monitor project progress, communicate statuses and resolve issues effectively.
  • Direct and motivate project teams to achieve project goals.
  • Provide solutions to complex technical challenges.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plan with potential employer matching.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Employee assistance programs and lifestyle health programs.
  • Incentive bonuses and career development opportunities.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Engineering Project Team Leader - Load and Haul Heavy Structures

Location: Decatur, IL
Travel: Up to 25%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

As an Engineering Project Team Leader - Load and Haul Heavy Structures, you will lead multiple or complex engineering projects that span functions, organizations, products, and value chains. You will define project scope, align resources across sales and marketing, product development, value chain, and manufacturing, and drive execution against cost, timing, and business objectives. This role is ideal for a highly collaborative engineering leader who can guide cross-functional teams, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and solve challenging technical and project-related issues. You will play a key role in moving engineering work from concept through development and into production by combining strong project management discipline with technical depth and sound judgment.

Degree Requirement:
  • A bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum is required.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop Heavy Structures project scope to address business challenges and opportunities (PQVC).
  • Arranges and leads Go See Act workshops for successful PD, Pilot and Pre-Production Heavy Structures builds.
  • Develop Heavy Structures concepts for NPI, CPI with acute focus on Design for Manufacturing to improve automation efficiency thru-out the supply chain (BTS , Robot, CNC machining and Paint)
  • Coordinating resources across the businesses with product development groups, value chain and manufacturing.
  • Overseeing project progress (PQVC); communicating status with stakeholders and participating functional areas; addressing and resolving problems.
  • Directing project staffing; motivating and developing project team and team members.
  • Provide effective solutions to technical challenges through strong technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues


Required Skills

  • Project Management: Ability to manage high-risk, high-cost projects involving multiple stakeholders, monitor critical path, and apply strong project controls.
  • Technical Excellence: Ability to provide sound technical direction, resolve complex issues, and mentor others in stronger technical decision-making.
  • Influencing Through Expertise: Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, provide timely insight, and influence decisions through credibility and evidence-based reasoning.
  • Team Management: Ability to lead effective project teams, maintain alignment, sustain engagement, and communicate across teams and stakeholders.
  • Requirements Analysis: Ability to capture, analyze, document, and manage requirements and deliverables across the project lifecycle.
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Ability to assess business impact, isolate issues, and drive resolution of difficult or high-impact technical problems.
  • Product Design and Development: Ability to support and improve product development processes from concept through production.
  • Products and Services: Ability to understand product and service interdependencies and apply that knowledge to planning and execution decisions.


Preferred Skills
  • Experience leading engineering projects in manufacturing, heavy equipment, industrial, or product development environments.
  • Experience working across new product introduction (NPI), product design, operations, supply chain, or production support.
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
  • Strong stakeholder communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience supporting engineering work from concept, validation, and launch through production.
  • Familiarity with structured problem solving, risk management, and project status reporting.


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

Posting Dates:
July 7, 2026 - July 20, 2026

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

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At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

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Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

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Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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