Caterpillar, Inc

Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical, Software, or Controls Engineering.
  • 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing or automation engineering.
  • Strong project management skills with experience leading technical projects.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Excellent communication skills for stakeholder collaboration.
  • Ability to analyze complex manufacturing challenges and implement data-driven solutions.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Understand manufacturing processes and system interactions.
  • Monitor and manage manufacturing processes digitally.
  • Identify automation opportunities and process improvement areas.
  • Connect manufacturing knowledge with digital solution design.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
  • Support installation and stabilization of automation in manufacturing.
  • Communicate technical findings and recommendations to various stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.).
  • 401(k) savings plans.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Health Lifestyle Programs and Employee Assistance Program.
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Incentive bonus, disability benefits, and life insurance.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Are you passionate about using technology, data, and innovation to solve complex manufacturing challenges? As a Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing by leading transformative initiatives that improve how we build, operate, and continuously improve our operations.

In this role, you won't just support manufacturing processes. You'll help redefine them. From digitizing key performance indicators and modernizing production systems to implementing cutting-edge technologies that enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and production stability, you'll be at the forefront of manufacturing transformation.

The Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer plays a key role in driving operational excellence by leading high-impact projects that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and production stability. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end solutions, ensuring successful execution from concept through implementation.

In this position, you will support development of modern manufacturing capabilities aligned with Enterprise Capability Owners, with a strong focus on production stability and optimizing manufacturing performance. Using Lean Manufacturing techniques, you will lead initiatives related to process improvements, and equipment integration, while identifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiency across the enterprise.

This role supports the transition of innovative ideas into scalable, production-ready solutions. By leveraging technical expertise, data-driven insights, and collaboration across engineering and operations teams, you will help bridge development and end to end manufacturing (fabrication, machining, assembly, and support roles) to deliver reliable, high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

What You Will Do
  • Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and how they interact in a system environment
  • Monitor and manage manufacturing processes digitally
  • Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to identify automation opportunities, gaps, and improvement potential including kanban, gravity, digital tools and processes
  • Connect manufacturing process knowledge with digital solution design, including data capture, process monitoring, visualization, and performance analytics
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, controls and other facility support teams to resolve solution issues and improve reliability
  • Support installation, commissioning, ramp-up, and stabilization of automation processes in manufacturing and supplier environments
  • Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to Enterprise Capability Owners (ECOs), operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customers
  • Deploy technical strategies, provide technical guidance and mentoring to pilot locations for modern manufacturing solutions


What skills you will have:

Engineering - MFG: Experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, automation engineering, or a related technical field. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial automation, and data-driven decision making. Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational performance.

Project Management: Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously. Experience managing technical projects from concept through implementation, commissioning, and stabilization. Knowledge of data analytics, KPI development, dashboard creation, and performance visualization tools.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex manufacturing challenges, evaluate multiple solutions, and make data-driven decisions. Communication is the most important skill for this role. You will collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to drive digital manufacturing initiatives. Since this role supports enterprise-wide objectives, success depends on your ability to build relationships, establish trust, and create influence across teams and locations.

Top Candidates will also have:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Controls Engineering.

Experience leading digital manufacturing, automation, or process improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.

Additional Information:
  • Location: Sanford, NC - 5 Days a Week Onsite
  • Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position
  • Up to 10% travel may be required


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:
August 4, 2026 - August 18, 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.

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
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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