Project Engineer, Quality Engineering

Project Engineer 5

Duration - 12 months contract with possible extension

Location
- Convergence Center at Purdue University, 101 Foundry Dr St 4200, West Lafayette, IN– Onsite Role

Client
- Caterpillar

Visa
- No Visa Restrictions

Relocation
- Fine with Relocation Candidates

Position's Contributions to Work Group:

- Collaborate with operations, assembly, supply chain, and engineering teams to support product builds.

- Document and maintain assembly instructions using MESA.

- Assist in identifying and documenting build issues during AQE (Advanced Quality Engineering) events.

- Enter and manage engineering alerts and changes.

- Support and coordinate rework activities as needed.

- Provide hands-on support for sub-assembly and end-of-line product testing.

- Troubleshoot and resolve issues on the assembly line and test cells.

- Coordinate engineering-procured materials for NPI and pre-production builds.

- 2–3 NPI projects and provide support for 4–5 production models concurrently.

Candidate Value Proposition

• Why Caterpillar?

• For this role within your business group – what stands out about this opportunity (ex – exposure, skill development, etc)? Why Caterpillar? "Whether it be ground-breaking products, best in class solutions or a lifelong career, you can build what matters to you h 150 locations in countries around the world, what you create at Caterpillar travels and helps people around the world.

You can collaborate with the best minds in the industry, complete meaningful work and continuously grow and develop through our various opportunities. Here, you can do the work that matters."

Why this Role?

- New opportunity to learn about Caterpillar E+ES and Processes.

- Work with cross functional teams and supplier

Typical task breakdown:

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Attend daily/weekly syncs with operations, assembly, supply chain, and engineering teams.

- Communicate build status, issues, and updates between factory and engineering.

- Participate in design reviews and production readiness meetings.

2. Documentation & Process Control

- Create and update assembly instructions in MESA.

- Validate documentation accuracy during pilot builds and production runs.

- Ensure version control and distribution of updated instructions.

3. Build Issue Management

- Observe and log build issues during AQE events.

- Collaborate with quality and engineering teams to identify root causes.

- Track issue resolution and implement corrective actions.

4. Engineering Change Management

- Enter engineering alerts into the tracking system.

- Monitor status and impact of alerts on production.

- Communicate changes to relevant stakeholders and update documentation accordingly.

5. Rework Coordination

- Identify rework needs based on build or test failures.

- Develop rework instructions and coordinate execution with production teams.

- Track rework completion and verify product quality post-rework.

6. Testing Support

- Assist with sub-assembly and end-of-line testing procedures.

- Troubleshoot test failures and escalate issues as needed.

- Ensure test equipment is calibrated and functioning properly.

7. Assembly Line & Test Cell Support

- Provide real-time support for line stoppages or test cell issues.

- Analyze recurring problems and propose process improvements.

- Train operators and technicians on new procedures or updates.

8. Material Coordination

- Track and manage engineering-procured materials for NPI and pre-production builds.

- Ensure timely delivery and availability of components.

- Communicate shortages or delays to project teams.

9. Project & Model Support

- Manage 2–3 NPI projects, including build planning, execution, and feedback loops.

- Provide ongoing support for 4–5 production models, addressing daily operational needs.

- Maintain dashboards or trackers for project status and issue resolution.

Interaction with team:

- Daily

Work environment:

- Office / Shop floor

Education & Experience

Required:

- Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical)

- 3-5 years of experience

Technical Skills (Required)

- CreO, Teamcenter PLM

- BOM Management

- PLM

- GD&T

- 3D modeling (CREO, Autocad, Teamcenter)

- Microsoft O365

Technical Skills (Desired)

- Modeling experience, Project Management, Data Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, APQP.

Soft Skills (Required)

- Clear and fluent English with both oral and written communications

- Growth mindset, aggressive and outgoing to learn processes at Caterpillar

- Ability to work independently and with a team

- Work with a sense of urgency but must be balanced with priorities given to Safety & Ergonomics as well as Quality.

Disqualifiers/Red Flags:

- If it is ex-Caterpillar employees, they need to get input from previous Cat work director.