Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Sanford, NC

5d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about using technology, data, and innovation to solve complex manufacturing challenges? As a Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing by leading transformative initiatives that improve how we build, operate, and continuously improve our operations. In this role, you won't just support manufacturing processes. You'll help redefine them. From digitizing key performance indicators and modernizing production systems to implementing cutting-edge technologies that enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and production stability, you'll be at the forefront of manufacturing transformation. The Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer plays a key role in driving operational excellence by leading high‑impact projects that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and production stability. This role partners closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver end‑to‑end solutions, ensuring successful execution from concept through implementation. In this position, you will support development of modern manufacturing capabilities aligned with Enterprise Capability Owners, with a strong focus on production stability and optimizing manufacturing performance. Using Lean Manufacturing techniques, you will lead initiatives related to process improvements, and equipment integration, while identifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiency across the enterprise. This role supports the transition of innovative ideas into scalable, production‑ready solutions. By leveraging technical expertise, data‑driven insights, and collaboration across engineering and operations teams, you will help bridge development and end to end manufacturing (fabrication, machining, assembly, and support roles) to deliver reliable, high‑quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

Experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, automation engineering, or a related technical field.
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial automation, and data-driven decision making.
Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational performance.
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Experience managing technical projects from concept through implementation, commissioning, and stabilization.
Knowledge of data analytics, KPI development, dashboard creation, and performance visualization tools.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex manufacturing challenges, evaluate multiple solutions, and make data-driven decisions.
Communication is the most important skill for this role. You will collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to drive digital manufacturing initiatives. Since this role supports enterprise-wide objectives, success depends on your ability to build relationships, establish trust, and create influence across teams and locations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Controls Engineering.
Experience leading digital manufacturing, automation, or process improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and how they interact in a system environment
Monitor and manage manufacturing processes digitally
Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to identify automation opportunities, gaps, and improvement potential including kanban, gravity, digital tools and processes
Connect manufacturing process knowledge with digital solution design, including data capture, process monitoring, visualization, and performance analytics
Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, controls and other facility support teams to resolve solution issues and improve reliability
Support installation, commissioning, ramp‑up, and stabilization of automation processes in manufacturing and supplier environments
Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to Enterprise Capability Owners (ECOs), operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customers
Deploy technical strategies, provide technical guidance and mentoring to pilot locations for modern manufacturing solutions