Manufacturing Engineer - Process Improvement

Caterpillar•Lafayette, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This newly created Process Improvement Engineering position will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and implementing ideas that drive safety, quality, and operational efficiency across manufacturing operations. This role uses data analysis, statistical process control, lean manufacturing concepts, and structured problem-solving methods to reduce variation, eliminate waste, improve process capability, and sustain measurable operational gains. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, engineering expertise, and a passion for innovation in manufacturing. The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading process development, continuous improvement, and production support initiatives within a manufacturing facility. This role focuses on improving efficiency, quality, and cost performance through technical expertise, data-driven problem solving, and collaboration across engineering and operations teams. You will design and optimize manufacturing systems, implement new technologies, and ensure processes meet safety and regulatory standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, operations, quality, or process engineering environment (machining, assembly, fabrication, automation)
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
Data analysis and problem-solving skills using root cause techniques
Familiarity with CAD tools and manufacturing systems
Understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to interpret and communicate technical findings through executive-level presentations.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to collect, clean, analyze, interpret, and visualize data to drive decisions.
Working knowledge of statistical process control, process capability, variation reduction, and basic statistical methods.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with Minitab, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python, or other statistical and data analysis tools.
Experience with automation, robotics, or Industry 4.0 technologies
Project management experience with demonstrated delivery of measurable improvements in safety

Responsibilities

Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify trends, bottlenecks, sources of variation, and opportunities for improvement.
Develop and maintain statistical process control methods, including control charts, process capability studies, and reaction plans for key process characteristics.
Lead continuous improvement projects using lean manufacturing tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, standard work, visual management, kaizen, mistake-proofing, and waste elimination.
Apply structured problem-solving methods such as DMAIC, A3, 8D, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning to resolve process issues.
Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
Support the New Capital Introduction process using data analytics to evaluate manufacturing readiness.