Manufacturing Project Engineer

Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live.

Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. At Caterpillar, your work helps shape the world.

Additional Information

Location:

Decatur, IL. Up to 10% travel may be required. Sponsorship is not available for this position. Domestic relocation assistance is not available. Applications accepted through September 22, 2026.

Lead manufacturing projects and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, throughput, productivity, and cost performance across plant operations. Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma DMAIC methodologies to drive process transformations, eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and establish sustainable standard work. Develop and execute project plans including scope, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, business cases, and implementation strategies to ensure successful project delivery.

Identify, prioritize, and financially justify improvement opportunities while establishing metrics and reporting processes to measure project impact and business performance. Provide manufacturing engineering expertise to support process development, facility improvements, equipment implementation, and manufacturing system integration. Partner with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Product Engineering, and external suppliers to improve manufacturability, productivity, and cost effectiveness. Train, coach, and develop team members on Lean principles, problem-solving methodologies, and continuous improvement disciplines while leading cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.

• Drive Real Impact:
  Lead projects that directly improve manufacturing performance and help Caterpillar deliver world-class products to customers around the globe.
• Champion Continuous Improvement:
  Serve as a Lean and Six Sigma leader, driving operational excellence and fostering a culture focused on sustainable improvement.
• Influence Business Outcomes:
  Identify opportunities, build business cases, and deliver initiatives that improve productivity, efficiency, and financial performance.
• Lead Complex Projects:
  Manage multiple high-visibility initiatives while collaborating with leaders and stakeholders across the organization.
• Develop People and Processes:
  Coach teams on Lean principles and help embed best practices that drive long-term success.
• Expand Your Expertise:
  Gain broad exposure across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, quality, and engineering functions.
• Build a Better World:
  Contribute to a company whose products and innovations power the infrastructure, communities, and industries that support everyday life.

• Capacity Planning & Management (Manufacturing):
  Ability to forecast production demand, translate business needs into capacity requirements, and develop short- and long-term manufacturing resource plans.
• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering (CAD):
  Proficiency using CAD tools to create, modify, and maintain engineering drawings, models, and specifications.
• Decision Making & Critical Thinking:
  Applies structured problem-solving techniques to evaluate data, assess risk, and make informed engineering and business decisions.
• Manufacturing Engineering:
  Utilizes manufacturing engineering principles to improve processes, resolve technical issues, and support operational excellence.
• Project Management:
  Leads complex projects by effectively planning resources, managing schedules and risks, and driving successful execution.
• Robotics & Automated Manufacturing Systems:
  Supports the implementation, operation, troubleshooting, and optimization of robotic and automated production equipment.
• Technical Troubleshooting:
  Diagnoses and resolves manufacturing, controls, equipment, software, and system-related technical issues.

Top Candidates Will Also Have Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical discipline. 5-10 years of experience leading Lean Continuous Improvement initiatives within a…