Caterpillar, Inc

Value Chain Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
  • Experience in analyzing and improving end-to-end value chain or supply chain processes.
  • Familiarity with process mapping and value stream mapping.
  • Experience in developing business cases and capability studies.
  • Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze value chain processes to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Develop business cases and value chain assessments to optimize processes.
  • Create and maintain value stream models for current and future states.
  • Implement tools and workflow improvements for better performance.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to align process changes across teams.
  • Eliminate inefficiencies related to time, cost, materials, and energy.
  • Support initiatives focused on quality, velocity, and customer satisfaction.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plans.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Tuition Reimbursement and career development opportunities.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Caterpillar's Large Wheel Loader Product Group is seeking a Value Chain Engineer to support Large Wheel Loaders, Wheel Dozers, and Compactors by driving improvements across the end-to-end value chain. In this role, you will analyze inbound, value-added, and outbound value chain processes, identify opportunities to improve performance, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, cost, and customer value. You will collaborate across multiple functions to develop business cases, optimize processes, eliminate waste, and support the delivery of sustainable business results.

What You'll Do:

  • Analyze inbound, value-added, and outbound value chain processes to identify opportunities for improvement.

  • Develop business cases, capability studies, and value chain assessments to support process optimization initiatives.

  • Create and maintain value stream models that depict current-state and future-state network configurations.

  • Implement new processes, tools, and workflow improvements that enhance end-to-end value chain performance.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to govern process changes and ensure alignment across workstreams.

  • Identify and eliminate inefficiencies related to time, cost, materials, and energy consumption.

  • Evaluate process performance metrics and recommend actions that drive operational excellence.

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, velocity, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.

  • Facilitate process mapping activities and document workflows to identify gaps, redundancies, and improvement opportunities.

  • Lead problem-solving and root cause analysis efforts to address process challenges and improve business outcomes.

What Skills Will You Have:

Business Process Design: Apply business process design principles to evaluate and optimize key value chain processes. Utilize process design tools and methodologies to assess workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend solutions that enhance organizational performance and operational effectiveness.

Business Process Improvement: Support continuous improvement initiatives by gathering and analyzing process data, identifying waste and variation, and recommending solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and overall business performance. Collaborate with stakeholders to successfully implement process improvements.

Process Management: Utilize process management tools and techniques to monitor, analyze, and improve business processes. Develop process flows, identify bottlenecks, document decision points, and implement sustainable improvements that support operational goals.

Analytical Thinking: Apply structured problem-solving methods and analytical tools to evaluate complex business challenges. Interpret data, identify trends, assess alternatives, and develop recommendations that drive informed decision-making and value chain improvements.

Effective Communications: Communicate process improvement opportunities, analysis results, and project updates clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Develop presentations, reports, and recommendations that influence decisions and drive alignment across teams.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Apply RCA techniques and structured investigation methods to identify underlying causes of process inefficiencies and operational issues. Lead analysis efforts that drive corrective actions, prevent recurrence, and improve organizational performance.

Education & Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.

Top Candidates Will Have:

  • Experience analyzing and improving end-to-end value chain or supply chain processes.

  • Process mapping and value stream mapping experience.

  • Experience developing business cases and capability studies.

  • Continuous improvement experience utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

  • Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills.

  • Experience implementing process improvements across cross-functional teams.

  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and process optimization experience.

  • Experience supporting manufacturing, product development, or heavy equipment operations.

Additional Information:

The primary work location for this role is Decatur, IL, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.

Up to 10% travel may be required.

Domestic relocation assistance not available.

Visa sponsorship, international assignments, or payroll transfers are not available for this role.

Posting Dates: 09/16/2026 - 09/30/2026


Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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:

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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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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