Manufacturing Project Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Mapleton, IL

3d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Project Engineer plays a key role in advancing operational performance by driving improvements in manufacturing processes, safety, and overall efficiency. This position partners closely with cross‑functional teams to lead initiatives that enhance production operations and support a safe, high‑performing work environment. In this role, you will leverage your experience in manufacturing processes and operational excellence systems to identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions. You will collaborate across engineering, operations, and support teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of projects while maintaining a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement. By combining technical expertise with a collaborative mindset, you will help strengthen manufacturing processes, support operational goals, and contribute to a culture of safety and performance excellence.

Requirements

Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues across manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems.
Conduct root cause analysis using structured problem‑solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, RCCA) to address and prevent recurring issues.
Analyze production data and system performance to identify failures, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (engineering, maintenance, operations) to implement corrective actions and sustainable solutions.
Support troubleshooting during new product introductions and process changes to ensure smooth and stable operations.
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.

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