Manufacturing Project Engineer - Welding Technologies

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

As a Manufacturing Project Engineer based in Mossville, Illinois, you will play a pivotal role in advancing large‑scale manufacturing operations through high‑impact engineering projects that improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost. Working at the intersection of advanced welding and fabrication processes, digital automation, and manufacturing engineering, you will lead initiatives that drive industrialization, process optimization, and operational excellence across internal plants and supplier networks. This role partners closely with design engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to deliver scalable solutions from New Product Introduction (NPI) through full production ramp‑up. Leveraging structured problem‑solving, data‑driven decision making, and continuous improvement methodologies, you will influence how complex manufacturing systems are designed, automated, and sustained. Your work will directly shape repeatable, future‑ready manufacturing processes that enable long‑term business growth.

Requirements

Analytical Thinking: Applies structured analytical techniques to clearly define problems, assess their impact, and evaluate alternative solutions. Uses data, logic, and intuition to identify root causes and draw well‑supported conclusions that address complex organizational challenges.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Applies structured decision‑making approaches to analyze situations objectively, challenge assumptions, and assess potential impacts of various options. Leverages historical insights, validated data, and consultative or consensus‑based methods to guide sound, defensible decisions and advise others effectively.
Technical Excellence: Applies sound technical knowledge to deliver effective solutions to routine and moderately complex challenges while continuously expanding expertise. Adheres to technical standards and best practices, supports high‑quality outcomes, and assists others in resolving technical or procedural issues.
Manufacturing Standards, Procedures, and Policies: Demonstrates foundational knowledge of manufacturing standards and policies and consistently follows established procedures. Actively seeks out and applies documentation and specifications to support compliance within assigned manufacturing processes.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Identifies, documents, and resolves common technical issues using established troubleshooting methods and diagnostic tools. Follows standard procedures, collaborates with vendors as needed, and contributes to the development of effective troubleshooting criteria.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, etc.
Background in heavy equipment, industrial manufacturing, or high‑mix production environments, applying core manufacturing engineering fundamentals (assembly, machining, fabrication, or automation).
Working knowledge of metal brazing, resistance welding , aluminum welding and laser welding.
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), or manufacturing transformation initiatives within a production environment.
Exposure to supplier development or third‑party manufacturing oversight, with an understanding of capacity planning, APQP, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

Support manufacturing process development projects that improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost by integrating materials, components, and manual, automated, and robotic welding systems within established manufacturing systems and Caterpillar fabrication environments.
Provide hands‑on technical support for manufacturing feasibility, welding processes, tooling, assembly, machining, automation, and supplier‑supported operations, following established standards, procedures, and best practices.
Contribute to New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts by helping define manufacturing requirements, welding process flows, work instructions, and quality controls to support the industrialization of welding products, processes, and prototypes.
Apply structured problem‑solving and root cause analysis to resolve routine to moderately complex quality, safety, delivery, and cost issues related to welding operations and manufacturing system performance.
Collaborate with manufacturing, design engineering, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers to support project execution, milestone tracking, validation activities, and compliance requirements.
Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and validation records to ensure compliant, repeatable execution of manual, automated, and robotic welding processes.
Collect, document, and analyze manufacturing and process data to identify trends, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities within assigned welding and fabrication processes.