Manufacturing Project Engineer - New Capital Projects

Caterpillar Inc.•Lafayette, IN

2d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Engineer for New Capital Introduction is responsible for planning, leading, and executing capital equipment and facility improvement projects within the Lafayette Large Engine Center. This position will manage projects from concept development through funding approval, supplier engagement, installation, validation, production release, and project closure. The position requires strong manufacturing knowledge, disciplined project management, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to deliver safe, high-quality, cost-effective solutions that improve capacity, capability, efficiency, and operational performance.

Requirements

College degree in technical curriculum
Problem Solving: Working knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Judgment and Decision Making: Extensive knowledge of the decision-making process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.
Project Management: Strong project management and project leadership skills are critical to successfully manage and deploy new manufacturing machines, tools, and processes. Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
Manufacturing Best Practices and Standards: Basic knowledge of best practices and standards for improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of the design, production, and distribution of manufacturing products; ability to create and implement best practices and standards for various manufacturing processes and activities.
Manufacturing Process Design and Development: Basic knowledge of how to develop or design a manufacturing process; ability to establish and determine which processes and parameters should be opted to improve functionality and costs.
Capacity Planning & Management - MFG: Working knowledge of tools, approaches and practices for determining production demand and ability to manage resources needed to provide satisfactory levels of service.
Change Control - MFG: Basic knowledge of the processes and procedures by which a change is identified, evaluated, approved, monitored and documented; ability to manage changes in the production environment and processes effectively.
Lean Manufacturing: Working knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.
Supplier Collaboration: Works with suppliers (both internal and external) in the development of projects, which ensure the most efficient and cost-effective systems. Requires analytical ability as well as excellent oral and written communications skills and thorough knowledge concerning the capabilities of both domestic and foreign suppliers.

Nice To Haves

NCI (New Capital Introduction) Collaborates with internal and external process partners throughout the NCI (New Capital Introduction) process. Uses knowledge gained through years of experience to develop innovative tooling, fixturing, sequencing solutions to resolve PQVC issues.

Responsibilities

Lead capital projects for new manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation, and process changes supporting engine manufacturing operations.
Manage projects through the full capital project lifecycle, including concept development, feasibility analysis, design review, supplier selection, procurement, installation planning, commissioning, validation, production readiness, and final handoff to operations.
Coordinate technical evaluations, layout development, capacity analysis, process flow assessments, and equipment specifications to ensure solutions meet business requirements.
Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, escalate issues appropriately, and lead problem-solving processes.