Caterpillar, Inc

Fabrications Manufacturing Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc • $81K — $122K *
Athens, GA 30606In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in decision making and critical thinking on the shop floor.
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles applicable to fabrication.
  • Proven background in manufacturing and fabrication processes, from planning to execution.
  • Experience in leading structured root cause corrective actions (RCCA).
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is preferred, but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

  • Own and maintain process documentation within ERP systems like SAP.
  • Define and sustain manufacturing methods from start to finish.
  • Design and implement production tooling and fixtures for welding processes.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to enhance tooling across its lifecycle.
  • Lead RCCA efforts targeting safety, quality, and cost efficiency.
  • Conduct process optimization focused on throughput and quality.
  • Support New Product Introduction activities ensuring fabrication readiness.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time.
  • 401(k) savings plans with company matching.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Incentive bonuses and employee discounts.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Manufacturing Engineer I 6 Fabrication Operations

When you join Caterpillar, you 27re joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do 6 but about each other. As a Manufacturing Engineer with the Building Construction Products (BCP) division in Athens, GA, you will work independently and on cross-functional teams to maintain, sustain, and improve fabrication manufacturing processes supporting construction equipment structures for Small Track-Type Tractors.

This role serves as a technical owner for assigned fabrication areas and is responsible for routing definition, process and tooling design and maintenance, robotic welding and CNC-related processes, root cause corrective action (RCCA), and continuous process optimization to ensure safe, capable, and cost-effective production.

What you can look forward to doing in this role:
  • Own and maintain fabrication manufacturing processes, routings, work instructions, and labor standards within ERP systems (SAP preferred).
  • Define and maintain process flow, operation sequencing, and manufacturing methods from first operation through final fabrication.
  • Design, release, and sustain production tooling, weld fixtures, jigs, and hard tooling supporting fabrication and robotic welding processes.
  • Partner with tool rooms and suppliers to develop, debug, and improve tooling solutions throughout the tooling lifecycle.
  • Lead root cause corrective action (RCCA) activities for safety, quality, delivery, and cost issues using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, A3).
  • Implement and validate corrective actions and ensure long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
  • Develop and validate process cycle times through time studies and capacity analysis.
  • Analyze OEE, scrap, rework, dimensional, and process capability data to identify constraints and optimization opportunities.
  • Lead process optimization efforts focused on throughput, weld quality, automation utilization, ergonomics, and cost reduction.
  • Troubleshoot day-to-day fabrication process issues and provide cross-shift production support as needed.
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring fabrication readiness through tooling, routings, capacity, and risk assessment.
  • Review engineering drawings, change notices, and concepts for manufacturability and fabrication risk.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Product Engineering to improve product quality and manufacturing robustness.

A successful candidate in this role will showcase their skills and have:
  • Extensive experience in Decision Making and Critical Thinking with the ability to evaluate complex shop-floor problems and implement effective solutions.
  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and the ability to apply them within fabrication and welding operations.
  • Extensive experience with Manufacturing and Fabrication Processes, including the ability to plan, execute, sustain, and improve end-to-end fabrication operations.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing Problem Management Processes with demonstrated experience leading structured RCCA to closure.

Top candidates for this position may also have:
  • Bachelor 27s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Welding Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
  • Coursework, project, internship, co-op, or work experience involving manufacturing processes such as cutting, forming, bending, machining, welding, assembly, material flow, or quality control.
  • Documented experience with CAD tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar design software.
  • Documented manufacturing, factory, shop-floor, lab, internship, co-op, capstone, military, trade, or work experience involving process improvement, production support, or hands-on problem solving.
  • Documented use of structured problem-solving methods such as 5-Why, fishbone diagrams, A3 thinking, RCCA, Lean tools, process improvement projects, or engineering project analysis.
  • Documented coursework, project, internship, or work experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, tolerances, or manufacturability requirements.
  • Hands-on experience with welding processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to collect and analyze relevant data and translate it into measurable results.
  • Completed coursework, projects, internships, or work experience involving robotic welding, automation, CNC equipment, manufacturing technology, or troubleshooting and optimization methods.
  • Hands-on involvement in safety hazard recognition and safety process improvements.


Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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

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.

Work You’ll Do

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.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

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.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

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

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

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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
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ
CAT
* Ladders Estimates

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