Manufacturing Engineer

Caterpillar•Pontiac, IL

51d•Onsite

About The Position

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. ROLE DEFINITION: Provide the technical expertise necessary to design, develop, and implement manufacturing systems, complex operations, and sophisticated machines. This role is expected to function as a specialist with respect to specific technical expertise within areas of tooling management (including selection, design, and procurement of cutting tools and fixtures), CNC program development and optimization (using CAD/CAM software), and root cause analysis for quality issues and machine breakdowns. They also play a critical role in new product introduction (NPI), ensuring manufacturability, and are involved in equipment selection and capital projects, from justification to installation. The engineer is also responsible for driving innovation and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize processes, improve product quality, and reduce costs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial concentration preferred) or extensive relevant work experience.
Extensive experience in CNC machining and programming, with a deep understanding of metal cutting processes like turning, milling, and swiss-style machines.
Proficiency in G&M coding reading and writing.
Hands-on experience with equipment setup, diagnostics, and optimization.
Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of manufacturing concepts for both soft and hard machining.
Manufacturing Equipment: Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes, including MES/ERP systems and statistical process control (SPC) software.
Lean Manufacturing: Demonstrated ability to apply lean manufacturing tools and methodologies in a production environment.
Manufacturing Safety: Expertise in manufacturing safety, including performing inspections and implementing emergency response procedures.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills, with experience in evaluating options, predicting impact, and advising others.

Nice To Haves

Automation system experience, including PLCs and robots used in part loading and deburring.
Previous machine tool process (CNC) experience.
Experience with grinding and honing processes.
APQP experience.
Prior Project Management experience.
Well-rounded understanding of both 6 Sigma and Lean Manufacturing concepts.

Responsibilities

Creating and maintaining work instructions, tool lists, inspection guides, Control Plans, and PFMEAs for manufacturing.
Support new product introductions and continuous improvement efforts around people, quality, velocity, and cost for large engine products.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by leading and participating in Lean Manufacturing projects, Kaizen events, Six Sigma projects, and 5S improvements.
Engages in creative problem-solving to address operational issues, including ergonomics and safety, efficiency improvements, process bottlenecks, and quality concerns.
Works with internal and external suppliers to develop and manage projects, ensuring efficient and cost-effective systems and processes to produce quality products.
Provide manufacturing technical support in process control and internal certification.
Monitor and improve equipment reliability by identifying and addressing problem areas, performing root cause analysis, and being the technical expert for the value stream.
Develop and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM software (such as PTC Creo, NX, and AutoCAD) for Siemens, Fanuc, and Mazak controls
Ensures compliance with all manufacturing standards, procedures, and safety guidelines, including both Caterpillar and OSHA compliant procedures.