Career Area:Engineering
Job Description:Role DefinitionThe Foundry Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, improving mold performance, supporting daily production operations, and leading capital and continuous improvement projects within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
This role serves as a key technical resource for troubleshooting process challenges, implementing operational improvements, and supporting new product introductions. Working closely with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams, the Foundry Manufacturing Engineer drives safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and operational excellence initiatives while ensuring compliance with established manufacturing systems and governance processes.
What You Will DoProcess Troubleshooting & Improvement- Investigate mold failures including breakage, handling issues, and poor release
- Lead trials on materials, resin content, and handling methods
- Implement improvements for cost, uptime, and ergonomics
Production & Operations Support- Work directly with melt/cast deck teams during live production
- Respond quickly to downtime events and process issues on the floor
- Improve mold handling, storage, and operator usability
Caterpillar Manufacturing Systems & Governance- Execute work within Caterpillar capital project processes
- Support NPI (New Product Introduction) and NCI/change management activities
- Operate within standard Caterpillar manufacturing procedures and governance
Project Leadership & Execution- Lead manufacturing and facility-related projects from concept through implementation
- Manage project scope, schedule, and execution across multiple stakeholder groups
- Track trials, open issues, and change activity to closure
Automation & Mechanical Systems Support- Apply working knowledge of manufacturing automation and mechanical equipment
- Support equipment integration and troubleshooting in an automated production environment
- Balance project execution with day-to-day operational support
Degree Requirement- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Applied Engineering with a specialized concentration or minor in metal casting and foundry technology is required.
What you must have (skills)- Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
- 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.
- Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Knowledge of design for manufacturability guidelines, methodologies, and use cases; ability to use this knowledge to optimize product designs and manufacturing operations.
- Engineering - MFG: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
- Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
- Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.
Top candidates will also have- Caterpillar Manufacturing Experience: Preferred track record operating within Caterpillar manufacturing organizations and understanding how CAT works
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead manufacturing or facility projects across scope, schedule, and stakeholders
- Capital Execution & NPI/NCI: Working knowledge of capital project execution, New Product Introduction, and change management processes
- Foundry / Mold Process Awareness: Understanding of casting operations and mold performance is beneficial (not required, but a plus)
- Automation & Mechanical Systems: Solid working knowledge of manufacturing automation, mechanical equipment, and equipment integration
- Troubleshooting: Ability to investigate failures and implement corrective actions in a live production environment
- Supplier Management: Experience leading technical discussions, driving spec changes, and managing supplier performance
- Independent Execution: Ability to operate with minimal onboarding, tribal-knowledge navigation, and self-directed problem solving
- Communication: Ability to work effectively across operations, engineering, and supplier teams in a fast-paced environment
Additional Information- This position posting will close on 8/19/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in Mapleton, IL.
- Domestic relocation is Available
- VISA Sponsorship is NOT Available
- Travel requirements will be less than 10%.
Final detailsPlease frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
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Summary Pay Range:$97,530.00 - $146,290.00
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:August 5, 2026 - August 19, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
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