Manufacturing Project Engineer

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When you join Caterpillar, you become part of a global team that cares not just about the work we do, but also about each other. We are makers and problem‑solvers building stronger, more sustainable communities and making progress happen with our customers.

The Wear Components Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team supports Caterpillar’s Ground Engaging Tools (GET) and Undercarriage (UC) parts, which are used on a wide variety of Caterpillar machine products. Your role will focus on steel products and manufacturers, serving as a metallurgical subject‑matter expert for wear parts, manufacturing processes, and advanced product quality planning. You will partner with design and manufacturing teams to improve manufacturability and lead projects that enhance safety, quality, velocity, capacity, or cost.

• Work directly with specific suppliers/facilities on APQP‑based development of parts to production, supporting NPI, CPI, and resourcing efforts.
• Support ongoing quality assurance efforts among the full GET & UC supply base, with direct responsibility for select suppliers/facilities.
• Own and manage the Wear Components portfolio of material specifications.
• Provide input, guidance, and recommendations to engineering teams on material selections, design reviews, and product deviations.
• Lead efforts in failure analysis, root‑cause/corrective‑action processes for product issues.
• Provide technical mentoring and training in areas of expertise to local and global team members.
• Lead efforts to improve APQP standards & practices and drive consistent use across the global supply base.
• Work with internal/external suppliers to plan and implement projects that assure efficient and cost‑effective systems and processes.
• Contribute to evaluation of supply‑base capabilities, gaps, and improvement prioritization.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging emerging technology and drive appropriate implementation among the manufacturing base.
• Develop concepts and business plans for facilities projects, including expansion or new facility, and manage budgeting, project plans, and timelines.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through extensive professional expertise.

Problem Solving: Leads cross‑functional teams to identify and resolve product quality and performance issues, production inefficiencies, and equipment & process failures. Applies structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, DMAIC) to drive root‑cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Manufacturing Best Practices and Standards: Identifies, develops, and implements manufacturing standards & specifications, as well as industry best practices (e.g., APQP, ISO, DIN). Develops and drives standardized quality requirements and visual management systems across the global manufacturing base.

Project Management: Plans, organizes, and controls project scope, schedule, and budget using tools such as MS Project. Coordinates with engineering, operations, supply chain, and supplier teams to ensure timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.

Manufacturing Process Design and Development: Designs and optimizes manufacturing processes for wear components, including casting, forging, machining, welding, assembly, and painting. Oversees APQP efforts including PFMEA, control plan development, and process validation.

Judgment and Decision Making: Evaluates complex business and technical scenarios to make informed, data‑driven decisions and communicate recommendations clearly.

• Steel metallurgy background & experience
  • Knowledge of steel mill processes or operations, particularly rolling mill manufacture of profiled sections used for products such as cutting edges and track shoes.
  • Experience in steelmaking processes, particularly electric arc and/or induction melting for casting, and steel refining processes such as vacuum degas, vacuum melting, and AOD.
  • Metallurgical engineering and quality knowledge, particularly around low alloy wear‑resistant steel, heat treatment, and hydrogen cracking…