Manufacturing Project Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

3d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. 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. Job Summary The MMT – Physical Automation Research & Development role sits at the intersection of automation engineering, manufacturing process optimization, and technology deployment. The incumbent will research, evaluate, develop, and industrialize automation solutions that improve People, Quality, Velocity, and Cost outcomes across manufacturing platforms. Engineers in this role are expected to analyze data, identify relationships, predict and manage failures, and champion new technologies that challenge the status quo and advance Caterpillar’s manufacturing capabilities. What You Will Do Research, develop, and deploy physical automation technologies to improve manufacturing process capability, efficiency, quality, and cost Support projects across robotics, automation systems, asset connectivity, machine learning, and vision‑based manufacturing applications Lead or contribute to automation initiatives supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and manufacturing transformation efforts Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to identify automation opportunities, gaps, and improvement potential Design, develop, test, and validate automation concepts, prototypes, and pilot systems prior to production deployment Support installation, commissioning, ramp‑up, and stabilization of automation equipment in manufacturing and supplier environments Apply structured problem‑solving techniques to identify root causes and implement corrective actions addressing Safety, Quality, Velocity, and Cost Collaborate with design engineering to influence Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) Propose, lead, and support research projects aligned with MSODLF and STLF objectives Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to engineering teams, operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customers Provide technical guidance and mentoring to technicians and less‑experienced engineers Stay current with emerging technologies and represent Caterpillar in external technical forums, supplier engagements, and benchmarking activities Role Scope & Development Engineers may have multiple assignments during their tenure Assignments increase in technical complexity, scope, and autonomy over time Work may include reviewing the work of technicians or support personnel and providing technical guidance across organizational levels Engineers are expected to manage their own development, continuously learning through hands‑on experience, experimentation, and technology exploration Project management skills are developed and refined at this level

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise.
Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Applies structured decision‑making techniques Identifies, organizes, and evaluates relevant data and alternatives Assesses risks and tradeoffs impacting manufacturing performance
Engineering – MFG: Assists with manufacturing problem resolution and supports drafting engineering specifications and standard practices. Works with routine manufacturing engineering tools, equipment, and processes. Performs basic installation, maintenance, and repair activities within a defined engineering function. Follows established engineering standards, policies, and procedures. Identifies and escalates unusual manufacturing or engineering issues to senior staff.
Project Management: Uses standard project management tools to estimate cost, timelines, and resource needs. Plans, organizes, and monitors manufacturing projects to meet scope, schedule, and cost objectives. Identifies project risks and develops mitigation and contingency plans. Leads project reviews with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders. Maintains clear communication and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
Robotics & Computer‑Controlled Machinery: Loads and updates robot programs and operating instructions. Troubleshoots common robotics and automation issues. Supports basic robotic systems performing manufacturing tasks. Evaluates processes for automation opportunities and researches alternative solutions. Assists with space, cost, and feasibility analysis for robotic equipment.
Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnoses automation, controls, hardware, software, and connectivity issues Uses vendor tools, diagnostics, and standard troubleshooting procedures Supports root cause analysis and corrective action implementation Develops effective technical solutions to automation and manufacturing challenges Applies engineering standards, procedures, and best practices Supports automation system design, integration, testing, and optimization Helps others resolve technical or procedural issues

Nice To Haves

Experience with robot programming and/or PLC programming
Experience with machine tool connectivity and networked manufacturing systems
Experience with 3D modeling or simulation tools
Experience with machine learning or vision systems in manufacturing
General knowledge of automation concepts, robotics, and industrial networks
Familiarity with data analytics and data extraction tools
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities

Research, develop, and deploy physical automation technologies to improve manufacturing process capability, efficiency, quality, and cost
Support projects across robotics, automation systems, asset connectivity, machine learning, and vision‑based manufacturing applications
Lead or contribute to automation initiatives supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and manufacturing transformation efforts
Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to identify automation opportunities, gaps, and improvement potential
Design, develop, test, and validate automation concepts, prototypes, and pilot systems prior to production deployment
Support installation, commissioning, ramp‑up, and stabilization of automation equipment in manufacturing and supplier environments
Apply structured problem‑solving techniques to identify root causes and implement corrective actions addressing Safety, Quality, Velocity, and Cost
Collaborate with design engineering to influence Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA)
Propose, lead, and support research projects aligned with MSODLF and STLF objectives
Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to engineering teams, operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customers
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to technicians and less‑experienced engineers
Stay current with emerging technologies and represent Caterpillar in external technical forums, supplier engagements, and benchmarking activities