Caterpillar, Inc

Manufacturing Project Engineer - New Capital Projects

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field required
  • 5-7 years of project management experience in manufacturing
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing best practices
  • Experience with capital project lifecycle management
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles
  • Proven ability to collaborate with suppliers
  • Skilled in problem-solving and risk management

Responsibilities

  • Lead projects for new equipment, automation, and process improvements
  • Manage projects from concept through to production release
  • Coordinate technical evaluations and capacity analyses
  • Identify and mitigate project risks effectively
  • Communicate project status and updates to stakeholders

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings and employee assistance programs
  • Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
  • Incentive bonuses and tuition reimbursement
  • Disability and life insurance options
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Project Engineer for New Capital Introduction is responsible for planning, leading, and executing capital equipment and facility improvement projects within the Lafayette Large Engine Center. This position will manage projects from concept development through funding approval, supplier engagement, installation, validation, production release, and project closure. The position requires strong manufacturing knowledge, disciplined project management, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to deliver safe, high-quality, cost-effective solutions that improve capacity, capability, efficiency, and operational performance.

What you will do:
  • Lead capital projects for new manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation, and process changes supporting engine manufacturing operations.
  • Manage projects through the full capital project lifecycle, including concept development, feasibility analysis, design review, supplier selection, procurement, installation planning, commissioning, validation, production readiness, and final handoff to operations.
  • Coordinate technical evaluations, layout development, capacity analysis, process flow assessments, and equipment specifications to ensure solutions meet business requirements.
  • Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, escalate issues appropriately, and lead problem-solving processes.


Education Requirement:

College degree in technical curriculum

What you will have
  • Problem Solving: Working knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  • Judgment and Decision Making: Extensive knowledge of the decision-making process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.
  • Project Management: Strong project management and project leadership skills are critical to successfully manage and deploy new manufacturing machines, tools, and processes.
  • 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.
  • Manufacturing Best Practices and Standards: Basic knowledge of best practices and standards for improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of the design, production, and distribution of manufacturing products; ability to create and implement best practices and standards for various manufacturing processes and activities.
  • Manufacturing Process Design and Development: Basic knowledge of how to develop or design a manufacturing process; ability to establish and determine which processes and parameters should be opted to improve functionality and costs.
  • Capacity Planning & Management - MFG: Working knowledge of tools, approaches and practices for determining production demand and ability to manage resources needed to provide satisfactory levels of service.
  • Change Control - MFG: Basic knowledge of the processes and procedures by which a change is identified, evaluated, approved, monitored and documented; ability to manage changes in the production environment and processes effectively.
  • Lean Manufacturing: Working 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.
  • Supplier Collaboration: Works with suppliers (both internal and external) in the development of projects, which ensure the most efficient and cost-effective systems. Requires analytical ability as well as excellent oral and written communications skills and thorough knowledge concerning the capabilities of both domestic and foreign suppliers.

Top candidates will also have:
  • NCI (New Capital Introduction) Collaborates with internal and external process partners throughout the NCI (New Capital Introduction) process. Uses knowledge gained through years of experience to develop innovative tooling, fixturing, sequencing solutions to resolve PQVC issues.


Additional Information:
  • Travel requirements may be less than 10%.
  • This position will be located in Lafayette, IN
  • Domestic relocation is available.
  • Sponsorship is NOT available for this roll


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:
August 21, 2026 - August 30, 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.

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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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