Caterpillar, Inc

Manufacturing Engineer - NPI and Capital

Caterpillar, Inc$97K — $146K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Industrial Technology preferred
  • 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering
  • Proficiency in CNC machine tools and CAD software
  • Experience with project management strategies and techniques
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and implementation
  • Familiarity with robotic process automation (RPA) techniques
  • Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities

Responsibilities

  • Manage capital equipment projects focused on metal cutting machine tools
  • Administer the New Product Introduction (NPI) process to ensure timely release of engineering drawings
  • Create and implement advanced quality planning (APQP) and safety failure mode and effects analysis (SFMEA)
  • Engage in problem-solving for operational issues such as efficiency and quality improvements
  • Collaborate with suppliers to develop efficient and cost-effective manufacturing systems
  • Oversee the application and integration of assembly and testing processes and equipment
  • Coordinate the procurement and application of machine tools and controls corporate-wide

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus programs
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Disability benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Role Definition:

This Manufacturing Engineer will serve as a Project Lead on the New Capital Introduction team, managing capital equipment projects that support capacity expansion, equipment replacement, and manufacturing improvements. The primary focus will be metal cutting machine tools for both soft and hard machining applications, with opportunities to support automation and assembly equipment projects as business needs arise.

This role supports New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) initiatives while providing occasional production support. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead projects from concept and equipment selection through installation, commissioning, and handoff to Operations. Success in this role requires close collaboration with Operations, Logistics, Maintenance, Quality, and Product Engineering teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing processes.

What You Will Do:
  • Develops, analyzes, and manages Manufacturing/Assembly Projects. Assists in developing department capital and expense budgets. Maintains the department capital forecast.
  • Administers the NPI process to ensure that Engineering drawings are released and processed on time for NPI build.
  • Creates and implements APQP and SFMEA (Safety) for new equipment and processes to provide a smooth transition from NPI to full production for Operation.
  • Engages in creative problem solving to address operational issues including ergonomic/safety, efficiency improvements, process bottlenecks, quality concerns.
  • Works with internal and external suppliers to develop and manage projects to ensure efficient and cost-effective systems and processes to produce quality products.
  • Provides the application, procurement, processing, installation, and capability of assembly and test processes and equipment.
  • Designs, develops, and implements the integration of manufacturing systems including factory control software, scheduling techniques, simulation, and systems application.
  • Designs and integrates automation in existing manufacturing equipment.
  • Works with Metrology engineer to come up with advance gage solutions for new and existing product to improve quality.
  • Provides manufacturing technical support in process control and internal certification.
  • Coordinates the purchase and application of machine tools, controls, and related equipment corporate-wide to ensure the latest technology is being used to increase efficiency and economy of operations.


What Skills You Have:

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.

Manufacturing Concepts: Knowledge of soft and hard machining practices and CAD software; ability to apply manufacturing concepts to improve product quality, manufacturability, and production performance.

Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process.
  • CNC Machine tools experience.


Project Management: Experience using effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Knowledge of techniques and processes of robotic process automation (RPA); ability to develop and deploy RPA solutions in various industries.

Top Candidates May Have:
  • Associate or Bachelor degree in Engineering Manufacturing or Industrial Technology (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial concentration preferred)
  • Automation system experience, including PLCs and robots used in assembly, deburring.
  • Significant previous machine tools process (CNC) experience.
  • Grinding and Honing process experience.
  • Experience in diesel and fuel systems.
  • Supplier collaboration.
  • Management experience.
  • APQP experience.
  • Experience with 6 Sigma and Lean Manufacturing concepts.
  • End-of-Line testing and analysis experience.


Additional Information:
  • This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility.
  • Up to 25% travel, both domestic and international.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available.
  • VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Please ensure you frequently sign in to your Candidate Home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for: https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers


#LI

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
August 3, 2026 - August 17, 2026

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.

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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

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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