Caterpillar, Inc

Technical Program Manager / Project Lead

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $208K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Computer Science
  • 5-7 years of experience in Technical Program Management or related field
  • Strong background in complex hardware-software systems
  • Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) for complex machines
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies
  • Excellent communication and relationship management skills
  • Demonstrated project leadership and analytical abilities

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate system programs for Caterpillar machines
  • Translate product requirements into roadmaps and plans
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, and risks
  • Support design, testing, integration, and troubleshooting efforts
  • Drive collaboration and manage interdependencies
  • Conduct program reviews and stakeholder meetings
  • Mentor team members and contribute to team development

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)
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus eligibility
  • Life Insurance and Disability benefits
  • Parental leave and Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement support
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Technical Program Manager (TPM) or Project Lead for Caterpillar AI Assistant leads the development, integration, and delivery of our next generation technology for Caterpillar construction and mining machines. This role will blend hands0on contribution and coordinating cross0functional teams to deliver high0quality, safety0critical, hardware 6software systems, while fostering a collaborative, supportive team environment and strong alignment with business objectives.

What You Will Do:

  • Coordinate system programs across multiple machines, ensuring alignment to common strategy, architecture, and customer expectations
  • Translate product and system requirements into achievable milestones, roadmaps, and execution plans
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, dependencies, risks, and mitigation plans across the full program lifecycle, including clear communication of business and financial impacts to stakeholders
  • Support system design, subsystem testing, system integration, and troubleshooting as needed
  • Identify and track technical and organizational risks and opportunities across teams and organizations
  • Drive cross0team collaboration, remove blockers, and manage interdependencies with internal teams and external vendors, particularly for issues that span multiple organizations
  • Run program reviews, stakeholder meetings, customer demos, and executive updates, including participation in management and customer0facing demonstrations as needed
  • Establish program KPIs and provide clear status reporting on progress, quality, cost, and schedule
  • Mentor and support team members, contribute to team vision, and provide input on performance and team selection, while creating a supportive environment focused on coaching, development, and continuous improvement
  • Help define and communicate the team9s vision and purpose, aligning technical execution with long0term product and business goals
  • Actively manage one9s own professional development and model strong leadership behaviors for the team

What You Have:

  • 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.
  • Cross-Team Integration:Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
  • Relationship Management:Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers.
  • Tactical Planning:Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational tactical planning.
  • Education Requirements: Bachelor9s Degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Consideration for Top Candidates:

  • Proven experience in Technical Program Management experience (robotics or autonomous vehicles preferred) or leading complex autonomous or heavy0equipment product development
  • New Product Introduction (NPI) leadership experience for complex machines or product features
  • Strong technical background in complex hardware 6software systems
  • Experience leading cross0functional teams and managing release schedules
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies
  • Exposure to verification and validation of safety0critical software and systems
  • Experience delivering programs to production
  • Excellent analytical, problem0solving, and project leadership skills


Additional Information:

  • This position requires the candidate towork full-time at the Mossville, IL office.
  • Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
  • This position will require up to 10% travel
  • #LI

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $208,770.00

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:

June 9, 2026 - June 15, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

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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