Process Improvement Engineer

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you become part of a global team that cares not only about the work we do but also about each other. We are makers, problem solvers, and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We make progress and innovation happen with our customers, where we work, and where we live, building a better world for everyone.

Career Area

We are hiring three process improvement‑focused roles across different areas of our business:
Ancillary Weld Value Stream, Package Assembly Value Stream, and Project Management in Facilities Engineering. While the assignment differs by role, all three positions share a common objective of improving processes that positively impact our people, quality, speed, and cost.

• Participate in identifying and implementing enhancements and modifications to equipment and processes.
• Execute manufacturing tasks and processes according to defined SOPs and accurately document data.
• Identify issues related to manufacturing processes and implement process improvements.
• Provide engineering support on planning, development, operation, and maintenance of equipment, processes, or facilities.

• Engineering Degree

• Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Degree
• Experience or familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies

Level Working Knowledge:

• Accurately gauge the impact and cost of errors, omissions, and oversights.
• Utilize specific approaches and tools for checking and cross‑checking outputs.
• Process limited amounts of detailed information with good accuracy.
• Learn from mistakes and apply lessons learned.
• Develop and use checklists to ensure that information goes out error‑free.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Apply an assigned technique for critical thinking in a decision‑making process.
• Identify, obtain, and organize relevant data and ideas.
• Participate in documenting data, ideas, players, stakeholders, and processes.
• Recognize, clarify, and prioritize concerns.
• Assist in assessing risks, benefits, and consideration of alternatives.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Recognize changing demands and priorities; validate changes with management.
• Obtain information about how current assignments contribute to organizational goals.
• Complete current work according to assigned priorities.
• Respond to day‑to‑day operational priorities while still making progress on project work.
• Perform at least 2–3 concurrent activities without reducing productivity.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Explain the basic purpose of change control and consequences of lack of control.
• Identify common changes to manufacturing equipment, technologies, and systems.
• Describe the process for introducing any change to a production environment.
• Describe the associated communication requirements, activities, and authorization levels.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Cite examples of benefits and risks associated with implementing lean principles.
• Describe basic tools for observing existing processes and identifying waste.
• Cite industry or company examples of successful and unsuccessful lean implementations.
• Identify key lean principles and highlights of the lean manufacturing process.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of equipment vendors and own staff.
• Explain where and how to obtain more equipment‑specific information.
• List basic aspects of routine and preventive maintenance.
• Identify uses and features of diverse types of manufacturing equipment.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Assess associated phases, activities, deliverables, and processes.
• Document relevant standards, policies, and practices.
• Follow standard manufacturing processes to conduct production activities.
• Research new technologies to be integrated into existing manufacturing process.
• Explain tools, techniques, and documents used for process monitoring and control.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Explain where…