Caterpillar, Inc

Lifecycle Specialist

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience in inventory planning, supply chain operations, logistics, manufacturing, aftermarket product support, or lifecycle management.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data sets and leverage ERP systems like SAP for decision-making.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
  • Knowledge of inventory optimization and critical parts management in a manufacturing or heavy equipment context.

Responsibilities

  • Lead lifecycle management and aftermarket support strategies for Electric Rope Shovel and Dragline products.
  • Manage inventory planning for approximately 10,000 serviceable parts focusing on 150 critical components.
  • Develop regional stocking strategies to optimize inventory and ensure parts availability.
  • Collaborate with dealers and cross-functional teams to enhance service readiness and lifecycle planning.
  • Implement product improvements and service interval changes to boost reliability and reduce Total Cost of Ownership.
  • Analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities and support strategic decisions.
  • Drive quality improvements through warranty analysis and Continuous Product Improvement initiatives.

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)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Disability benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Supply Chain and Logistics

Job Description:

At Caterpillar, we9re building a better world, and we are looking for an analytical, results-driven Lifecycle Specialist to join our Electric Rope Shovel team in Tucson, Arizona. In this role, you will help shape and support the aftermarket strategy for some of the largest and most complex mining machines in the world. As part of the lifecycle organization, you will be responsible for parts availability, inventory planning, service readiness, and product support throughout the life of the machine, helping customers maximize uptime and productivity.

This position plays a critical role in managing approximately 10,000 serviceable parts across the Electric Rope Shovel and Draglines portfolio, with a focused responsibility on roughly 150 critical components including gearboxes, electronics, wire ropes, undercarriage systems, and other major machine assemblies. You will develop inventory strategies that determine what parts should be stocked, where they should be located, and in what quantities to support regional customer demand. Working closely with dealers, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and product support teams, you9ll provide strategic recommendations that improve serviceability, reduce downtime, and enhance the customer experience.

In addition to aftermarket planning, you will support Machine Centerline initiatives that introduce product improvements, major component upgrades, and design changes intended to enhance machine performance and reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). You will help ensure documentation, service intervals, and dealer communications are aligned with evolving product service strategies. This role also contributes to warranty, Built In Quality (BIQ), and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) initiatives by analyzing warranty claims, supporting field alerts, and helping develop solutions that improve product reliability and customer satisfaction.

Additional Information:
• Location: Tucson, AZ
• Travel requirement: Up to 10% (domestic and international).
• Domestic relocation assistance is not available.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Candidate applications will be taken through Thursday, Sept. 3rd.

What You9ll Do
  • Lead lifecycle management and aftermarket support strategies for Caterpillar9s Electric Rope Shovel and Dragline products, ensuring parts availability and customer uptime.
  • Manage inventory planning and monitoring for serviceable parts, with a focus on 150 critical components essential to machine performance.
  • Develop regional stocking strategies and recommendations that optimize inventory investment while ensuring critical parts are available when and where customers need them.
  • Partner with Caterpillar dealers and cross-functional teams to drive service readiness, lifecycle planning, and aftermarket support initiatives.
  • Support Machine Centerline updates by implementing product improvements, major component upgrades, service interval changes, and documentation changes that enhance reliability and reduce TCO.
  • Analyze supply chain, inventory, and operational performance data to identify improvement opportunities, develop business cases, and support strategic decision-making.
  • Drive quality and reliability improvements through warranty analysis, Built-In Quality (BIQ) initiatives, field alerts, and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) projects.
  • Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, product support, and dealer organizations to execute lifecycle strategies that maximize machine availability and customer value.


What Makes This Role Exciting
  • Own the aftermarket strategy for industry-leading mining equipment. Play a critical role in supporting Caterpillar9s Electric Rope Shovel fleet throughout its lifecycle, helping customers maximize machine availability and performance.
  • Drive critical parts and inventory decisions. Develop stocking strategies for thousands of serviceable parts, including approximately 150 mission-critical components that directly impact customer uptime and operational success.
  • Influence product improvements and lifecycle planning. Partner with engineering teams on Machine Centerline initiatives, major component upgrades, and service interval strategies that improve reliability and reduce TCO.
  • Make a global impact through dealer and customer support. Collaborate with Caterpillar dealers worldwide to ensure the right parts, service recommendations, and lifecycle solutions are available when and where they are needed.
  • Solve complex business and quality challenges. Contribute to warranty investigations, field alerts, Built-In Quality (BIQ) initiatives, and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) projects that enhance product performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Work across the enterprise. Gain unique exposure to engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, product support, quality, and dealer operations while leading strategic initiatives that directly influence the future of Caterpillar9s mining products.


What skills you will have:
  • Effectiveness Measurement: Ability to use performance metrics and benchmarks to evaluate results, identify improvement opportunities, and develop action plans that drive operational effectiveness.


  • Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Demonstrates a high level of precision by verifying information, minimizing errors, and consistently producing accurate, reliable work.


  • Data Gathering & Analysis: Ability to collect, organize, and analyze data from multiple sources to support informed decisions and identify trends or issues.


  • Inventory Management - MFG: Knowledge of inventory control processes used to track, reconcile, receive, and distribute materials while maintaining accurate inventory records.


  • Problem Solving: Uses structured analysis, fact-finding, and stakeholder input to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.


  • Process Improvement: Identifies inefficiencies and implements changes that enhance workflow performance, quality, and operational efficiency through continuous improvement.


  • Service Excellence: Delivers responsive, customer-focused support by addressing needs, resolving issues, and consistently exceeding service expectations.


  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Applies and improves standard operating procedures to ensure compliance, consistency, efficiency, and continuous operational improvement.


Top Candidates Will Also Have:
  • Bachelor9s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Experience in inventory planning, supply chain operations, logistics, manufacturing, aftermarket product support, or lifecycle management.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data sets and leverage ERP systems, SAP, reporting tools, or business intelligence platforms to drive decision-making.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
  • Knowledge of inventory optimization, forecasting, MRP/DRP planning processes, and critical parts management within a manufacturing or heavy equipment environment.
  • Professional certifications or experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APICS/ASCM, project management, or supply chain analytics.

#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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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