Career Area:
Manufacturing
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
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JOB Description – Manufacturing Engineer – Engine Assembly & Digital Manufacturing
Caterpillar Inc is the world’s leading manufacturer of off-highway machinery and diesel and natural gas engines. The Caterpillar brand is recognized worldwide and is synonymous with quality and reliability.
The Industrial Power Systems Division currently has a new and exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer. This position works both independently and as part of a team to maintain and improve processes and systems used in manufacturing. In addition, Manufacturing Engineers function as a specialist and subject matter expert for technical planning throughout a manufacturing facility. As Manufacturing Engineer, you will have an opportunity to provide the technical expertise necessary to design, develop, and implement manufacturing systems, manufacturing operations and state of the art machines.
JOB PURPOSE: To provide expertise in specific areas of the manufacturing process to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective manufacture of product.
Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Technical Specialist Role in Manufacturing Engineering
The staff position is designed to operate as a specialist within a distinct technical phase of the manufacturing engineering function. This role typically encompasses a broad spectrum of major areas such as releasing processes, engine assembly, testing procedures, paint processing, assembly workflows, facility layout, establishment of work standards, and ongoing manufacturing development. As a specialist, the incumbent is expected to possess deep expertise and provide guidance in these critical domains to ensure efficient and effective manufacturing operations.
Project Coordination and Evaluation
Work assignments undertaken by incumbents in this role may vary in scope, ranging from highly specialized tasks to broader projects that require coordination and collaboration with other staff members. This collaborative approach ensures that larger projects are completed effectively and efficiently by integrating the expertise of various personnel.
Project Evaluation and Logical Planning
Incumbents are responsible for evaluating projects to clearly define the desired outcomes. This process involves determining the most logical and practical approaches to achieve these results, taking into account all relevant aspects of the project.
Assessment of Requirements
As part of the project evaluation, various factors are assessed including cost, annual personnel requirements, equipment, available space, and other pertinent information. This comprehensive analysis is essential to accurately determine the overall requirements necessary for successful project execution.
Feasibility Studies and Recommendations
Feasibility studies are prepared to evaluate the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of proposed initiatives. Based on these studies, recommendations are submitted to guide decision-making and ensure that project objectives are met in a manner that optimizes resources and delivers value.
Results contribute to the effective management decisions in determining the most efficient processes, methods, machinery, tools, equipment, services and systems needed in the manufacture of product.
Adheres to established standards, policies and practices relating to quality, cost reduction, safety, ergonomics, etc. in performing assigned duties.
Impact on Manufacturing Decisions and Standards Compliance
The outcomes produced by the technical specialist play a pivotal role in guiding management towards informed decision-making. These results assist in identifying and selecting the most efficient processes, methodologies, machinery, tools, equipment, services, and systems required for manufacturing products. By facilitating the evaluation and optimization of these elements, the specialist ensures that production is carried out in a manner that enhances operational efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to supporting management decisions, the specialist consistently follows established standards, policies, and practices in all assigned duties. This adherence encompasses aspects such as quality assurance, cost reduction, safety protocols, and ergonomic considerations. By maintaining compliance with these guidelines, the specialist contributes to a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing environment, while also upholding the organization's commitment to high-quality production.
You will act as a technical specialist and change leader, driving:
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Digital Manufacturing, AI & Industry 4.0 initiatives
- Lean transformation and productivity improvements
- Advanced tooling, automation, and smart factory solutions
This is a high-ownership role requiring both hands-on engineering depth and strategic thinking.
Digital Manufacturing, AI & Analytics Expectations:
- Develop and deploy data-driven manufacturing systems leveraging MES, IIoT, and enterprise data platforms
- Design and implement interactive dashboards and reports using Microsoft Power BI to monitor:
- OEE, cycle time, downtime, and bottlenecks
- First-pass yield, defect trends, and rework
- Tool performance (torque tools, leak testers, etc.)
- Enable real-time shopfloor visibility through integrated data pipelines (MES + IoT + ERP)
- Drive advanced analytics and AI/ML initiatives, such as:
- Predictive maintenance for critical equipment
- Quality prediction using process parameters
- Torque signature and leak test data analytics
- Production optimization and line balancing
- Translate data insights into actionable improvements on the shopfloor (closed-loop problem solving)
AI / ML & IIoT Expectations:
- Identify and implement AI/ML use cases aligned with manufacturing KPIs (cost, quality, delivery)
- Work with cross-functional teams (IT/Data/Operations) to:
- Build data models
- Validate insights
- Deploy scalable solutions
- Implement IIoT-based connectivity for machines, tools, and testing equipment
- Enable data acquisition, cleansing, and standardization for analytics readiness
Actual work assignments may be typified as follows:
- Oversee the projection, assessment, specification, and procurement of new or replacement machine tools.
- Offer engineering consultation on manufacturing processes, tooling and gauging requirements, and conduct detailed cost and delivery analyses.
- Specialize in designing fixtures for assembly, pressing, work holding, and developing specialized machining and assembly tools.
- Develop and execute cost reduction initiatives aligned with Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Provide accurate estimates for design, processing, manufacturing, and inspection hours required for tooling components to support all aspects of final product delivery.
- Utilize computer-aided design and engineering software to fulfill job functions efficiently.
- Demonstrate expertise in materials selection for tools used in engine assembly, including jigs and fixtures.
- Possess strong proficiency in the manufacturing processes of jigs and fixtures, such as assembly, machining, fabrication, and welding.
- Analyze tooling failures and evaluate tool characteristics and operational requirements.
- Plan factory layouts to optimize space utilization in response to rearrangements, newly implemented processes, or facility expansions.
- Assess the need for upgraded facilities and contribute to comprehensive assembly planning.
- Develop and implement assembly processes in accordance with CPPD (Concurrent Process and Product Development) and NPI (New Product Introduction) design changes.
- Lead the transition of new products from engineering to manufacturing seamlessly.
- Employ creative problem-solving strategies to address operational challenges, including ergonomics, safety improvements, process efficiency, bottlenecks, and quality issues.
- Manage projects to ensure the implementation of efficient and cost-effective systems that deliver high-quality products.
- Coordinate the application, procurement, processing, installation, and capability verification for new equipment.
- Provide technical manufacturing support in process control and facilitate internal certification procedures.
- Oversee the procurement and integration of machine tools, controls, and related equipment to ensure adoption of the latest technology for increased efficiency and economic operation.
- Innovate production methods through the application of lean engineering principles.
- Enhance shop floor space utilization for improved operational flow.
- Develop APQP process documentation—such as assembly procedures, test protocols, BOMs, process flows, and FMEAs—in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Implement assembly processes in compliance with Caterpillar standard operating procedures.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- 8 to 10 years in manufacturing engineering; including NPI experience.
- Experience in AI initiatives in manufacturing environment, Internet of Things (IOT) and Industry 4.0 concepts is preferred.
- Experience in using Dataiku, Sidekick and other AI Platforms for developing automations to simplify & streamline manufacturing operations.
- Hands-on experience in data visualization and analytics tools such as Microsoft Power BI
- Strong understanding of:
- Manufacturing data structures (MES, ERP, shopfloor signals)
- KPI frameworks (OEE, FPY, MTBF, MTTR)
- Ability to:
- Build dashboards from raw data
- Interpret trends and drive decisions
- Present insights to cross-functional teams
- Tool design experience: Jigs, fixtures, gauges.
- Skilled in CREO, SolidWorks, AutoCAD.
- Able to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities combined with strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate both internally and externally across all levels of an organization.
- Strong interpersonal skills; effective working independently or in teams.
- Skilled in data collection, analysis, root cause investigation, and metrics.
- SAP ERP and MES experience preferred.
- Advanced Microsoft Office, Teamcenter, and Virtual Build proficiency.
- Knowledge of mechanical/electrical manufacturing, assembly, and testing.
- Engine assembly experience preferred.
- Automotive or engine assembly launch experience.
- Experience with Leak Test and Torque Tools.
Desired Qualifications:
- Possesses a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Demonstrates experience working in complex environments, including but not limited to robotics, automation, special-purpose machinery, material handling, and assembly equipment.
- Highly proficient in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles and methodologies.
- Exhibits comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing concepts, with a focus on engine assembly, engine testing, and painting processes.
- Experience in:
- Integrating Power BI with MES / SAP / IoT platforms
- Creating real-time or near real-time dashboards
- Using data models for predictive insights (not just reporting)
Additional Info:
- Office Model: This position requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Posting Dates:
April 15, 2026 - April 29, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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