Caterpillar, Inc

Manufacturing Project Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Expertise in capacity planning and management techniques.
  • Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design & Engineering tools.
  • Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills.
  • Project management experience with effective strategies and tactics.
  • Knowledge of robotics and computer-controlled machinery.
  • Technical troubleshooting competencies in manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical expertise in major manufacturing projects.
  • Implement capacity and process improvement solutions.
  • Execute the capital process from specifications to equipment runoff.
  • Evaluate supplier proposals and drive necessary improvements.
  • Manage supplier execution and delivery schedules.
  • Guide manufacturing engineers and operators in product quality.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Career development opportunities.
  • Incentive bonus structure.
  • Disability and life insurance benefits.
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits.
  • Tuition reimbursement and employee discounts.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Role Definition

The Manufacturing Project Engineer position falls within the Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division. Connected Assets & Manufacturing Systems play a critical role within the US Drivetrain Operations by leading factory digitalization, connected asset, and manufacturing software initiatives. This position is responsible for planning, tracking, and executing projects that improve operational performance, visibility, and efficiency across the organization.

The selected candidate will leverage tools such as Microsoft Project, Microsoft Lists, Power BI, and Power Automate to manage project schedules, track deliverables, monitor risks, and drive accountability across cross-functional teams. Working closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, IT, Quality, suppliers, and other business partners, this individual will ensure project milestones and daily activities are completed on time while proactively identifying and escalating issues that may impact project success. The role will support the implementation of connected asset technologies, data-driven solutions, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects that enhance Safety, Quality, Velocity, and Cost performance.

What You Will Do
  • Lead and coordinate connected asset, manufacturing software, and digital transformation projects within the factory environment.
  • Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, resource assignments, and deliverables using Microsoft Project, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within scope.
  • Utilize Microsoft Lists, dashboards, and reporting tools to track project status, action items, issues, risks, and project deliverables.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, IT, Maintenance, Quality, and suppliers to ensure daily project activities are completed on time.
  • Monitor project progress, identify potential delays or roadblocks, and proactively escalate issues to leadership when support or intervention is required.
  • Coordinate implementation of manufacturing software solutions, connected asset technologies, data collection systems, and factory automation initiatives.
  • Facilitate project meetings, communicate status updates, document action items, and ensure accountability across all stakeholders.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes through digital tools, automation, and data-driven decision making.
  • Work with internal and external partners to evaluate technical solutions, define project requirements, and support successful deployment of manufacturing technologies.
  • Track project budgets, schedules, risks, and performance metrics to ensure successful project execution.
  • Support change management activities including training, documentation, and process adoption for new systems and technologies.


Degree Requirement
  • Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Systems, Project Management, or related technical field preferred.
  • Equivalent manufacturing and project management experience will be considered - minimum of 5 years of experience


What You Must Have (Skills)
  • Project Management - Knowledge of project management principles, tools, and methodologies. Ability to plan, organize, execute, monitor, and close projects while managing schedules, resources, risks, and deliverables.
  • Microsoft Project - Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Project for project scheduling, resource planning, progress tracking, critical path management, and project reporting.
  • Microsoft Lists & Collaboration Tools - Experience utilizing Microsoft Lists, SharePoint, Teams, and related Microsoft 365 applications to manage tasks, project actions, workflows, status reporting, and team collaboration.
  • Manufacturing Systems & Connected Assets - Understanding of manufacturing systems, connected devices, Industrial IoT (IIoT), asset monitoring technologies, and factory software applications.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership - Ability to coordinate activities across multiple departments, drive accountability, influence stakeholders, and lead teams toward achieving project objectives.
  • Risk Management & Escalation - Ability to identify project risks, proactively address obstacles, and escalate critical issues in a timely manner to ensure project success.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting - Ability to gather, analyze, and communicate project performance metrics, KPIs, and status updates to stakeholders and leadership.
  • Decision Making & Critical Thinking - Knowledge of decision-making processes and analytical techniques; ability to evaluate alternatives and make sound business decisions based on data and project requirements.
  • Technical Troubleshooting - Ability to identify, investigate, and coordinate resolution of software, system integration, and connected asset issues impacting manufacturing operations.
  • Continuous Improvement - Experience applying continuous improvement principles to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive operational excellence through technology-enabled solutions.


Top candidates will also have
  • Experience implementing manufacturing software systems, MES, SCADA, IIoT, or Industry 4.0 solutions.
  • Experience leading multiple concurrent projects in a manufacturing environment.
  • Familiarity with Power BI, SharePoint, Power Automate, and Microsoft Teams.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • PMP, CAPM, Agile, or related project management certification preferred.


Additional Information
  • This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 09/30/2026.
  • This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
  • Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position.
  • Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
  • This position may require less than 10% travel.


Final details

Please 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:

$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:
September 22, 2026 - September 30, 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.

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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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