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 Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience supporting high-volume precision machining operations.
  • Knowledge of capacity planning and management in a manufacturing context.
  • Familiarity with CAD tools for design and engineering tasks.
  • Proven problem-solving skills in technical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical expertise and guidance in major manufacturing projects.
  • Implement and coordinate major systems with total plant operations.
  • Communicate with suppliers to assess product/process design feasibility.
  • Guide manufacturing engineers and operators in developing high-quality products.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and manufacturing best practices.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits available.
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plan contributions.
  • Employee Assistance Program for support services.
  • Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing education and training.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Role Definition:


Supports manufacturing process development, continuous improvement, and the successful launch, transition, and ownership of manufacturing equipment and processes transferred from the New Capital Introduction (NCI) organization into production. This role provides engineering support for high-volume precision machining operations, including CNC machining centers, automated manufacturing systems, tooling, gaging, and process controls. Responsibilities include daily production support, hands-on troubleshooting, process and tooling optimization, equipment reliability improvements, root cause problem solving, supplier collaboration, and implementation of sustainable corrective actions. The position works closely with Operations, Quality, Product Design Engineering, Maintenance, and suppliers to ensure manufacturing systems achieve safety, quality, throughput, and cost objectives throughout the equipment lifecycle while driving continuous improvement and manufacturing best practices.

What You Will Do:


  • Providing technical expertise and guidance in major manufacturing projects, working with internal/external suppliers to support/improve manufacturing productivity and cost effectiveness.
  • Implementing major systems and the coordination of those systems with the total plant.
  • Communicating with suppliers to analyze their current or proposed product/process designs to determine feasibility of using existing designs or modifying the designs to improve process and/or product.
  • Providing guidance to manufacturing engineers and operators in order to develop high-quality products and processes.

 

Degree Requirement:


Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical; OR extensive equivalent manufacturing engineering experience.

 

What Skills You Have:


Capacity Planning & Management - MFG: Knowledge of tools, approaches and practices for determining production demand and ability to manage resources needed to provide satisfactory levels of service.

  • Works with R&D (research & development) staff to plan resource and capacity requirements for products under development.
  • Creates consolidated forecasts for multiple product lines and production facilities.
  • Advises on multiple cycles of short- and long-term capacity planning for product or site.
  • Compares and contrasts alternative approaches and tools for capacity planning.
  • Develops estimates and costs for incremental capacity requirements.
  • Translates demand forecasts into production and capacity requirements.

 

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.

  • Generates specifications for parts or components with CAD software.
  • Reuses design components via reusable libraries following standard procedures.
  • Uses CAD to perform basic drafting such as wire frames, solid objects and array of objects.
  • Performs routine changes to computerized schematics or drawings.
  • Creates views of objects in 2 and 3 dimensions; creates perspective drawings and orthogonal views.

 

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.

  • Applies an assigned technique for critical thinking in a decision-making process.
  • Identifies, obtains, and organizes relevant data and ideas.
  • Participates in documenting data, ideas, players, stakeholders, and processes.
  • Recognizes, clarifies, and prioritizes concerns.
  • Assists in assessing risks, benefits and consideration of alternatives.

 

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.

  • Assists in problem resolution, drafting and writing specifications for engineering practices.
  • Works with basic, routine components of the engineering discipline in manufacturing.
  • Performs basic installation, maintenance and repairs for a specific engineering function.
  • Follows relevant standards, policies and practices in engineering operations.
  • Reports unusual engineering issues and considerations regarding manufacturing operations to senior staff.

 

Project Management: Knowledge of 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.

  • Utilizes preferred tools, techniques and methods for estimating project cost and time.
  • Plans, estimates, staffs, organizes and monitors significant projects.
  • Identifies risks and vulnerabilities; creates contingency plans.
  • Conducts regular and ad-hoc project reviews with project team, sponsors, and clients.
  • Maintains open communication among project participants and interested parties.
  • Communicates reporting requirements; creates monitoring and control mechanisms.

 

Robotics/Computer Controlled Machinery: Knowledge of robotics technologies and computer-controlled machinery; ability to implement and operate robotics and computer-controlled machinery in an automated manufacturing environment.

  • Loads different programs and new instructions.
  • Resolves common robotics problems.
  • Works with simple robots performing manufacturing process sub-functions.
  • Assesses tasks for automation potential; obtains information about alternative robotic solutions.
  • Assists with analyzing space and cost requirements associated with robot usage.

 

Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.

  • Discovers, analyzes and resolves hardware, software, or application problems.
  • Works with vendor-specific diagnostic guides, tools, and utilities.
  • Handles calls related to product features, applications, and compatibility standards.
  • Analyzes code, logs, and current systems as part of advanced troubleshooting.
  • Records and reports specific technical problems, solving processes and tools that have been used.

 

Top Candidates May Also Have:


  • Experience supporting high-volume precision machining operations.
  • Experience with turning, milling, grinding, honing, ECM, or automated machining systems.
  • Experience transitioning and supporting manufacturing equipment following NCI or capital project handoff.
  • Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, throughput, equipment reliability, and cost performance.
  • Experience leading equipment installation, machine qualification, production ramp-up, and manufacturing readiness activities.
  • Experience using Power BI, SAP, or similar manufacturing systems to support data-driven decision making.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and suppliers.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and production support priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

 

Additional Information:


  • This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility.
  • 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

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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. 

 

Relocation is available for this position.

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

September 22, 2026 - October 5, 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.

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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