Manufacturing Engineer - NPI and Capital

Career Area: Manufacturing Job Description: 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. Role Definition: This Manufacturing Engineer will serve as a Project Lead on the New Capital Introduction team, managing capital equipment projects that support capacity expansion, equipment replacement, and manufacturing improvements. The primary focus will be metal cutting machine tools for both soft and hard machining applications, with opportunities to support automation and assembly equipment projects as business needs arise. This role supports New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) initiatives while providing occasional production support. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead projects from concept and equipment selection through installation, commissioning, and handoff to Operations. Success in this role requires close collaboration with Operations, Logistics, Maintenance, Quality, and Product Engineering teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing processes. What You Will Do: Develops, analyzes, and manages Manufacturing/Assembly Projects. Assists in developing department capital and expense budgets. Maintains the department capital forecast. Administers the NPI process to ensure that Engineering drawings are released and processed on time for NPI build. Creates and implements APQP and SFMEA (Safety) for new equipment and processes to provide a smooth transition from NPI to full production for Operation. Engages in creative problem solving to address operational issues including ergonomic/safety, efficiency improvements, process bottlenecks, quality concerns. Works with internal and external suppliers to develop and manage projects to ensure efficient and cost-effective systems and processes to produce quality products. Provides the application, procurement, processing, installation, and capability of assembly and test processes and equipment. Designs, develops, and implements the integration of manufacturing systems including factory control software, scheduling techniques, simulation, and systems application. Designs and integrates automation in existing manufacturing equipment. Works with Metrology engineer to come up with advance gage solutions for new and existing product to improve quality. Provides manufacturing technical support in process control and internal certification. Coordinates the purchase and application of machine tools, controls, and related equipment corporate-wide to ensure the latest technology is being used to increase efficiency and economy of operations. What Skills You Have: Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. Lean Manufacturing: 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. Manufacturing Concepts: Knowledge of soft and hard machining practices and CAD software; ability to apply manufacturing concepts to improve product quality, manufacturability, and production performance. Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process. CNC Machine tools experience. Project Management: Experience using 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. Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Knowledge of techniques and processes of robotic process automation (RPA); ability to develop and deploy RPA solutions in various industries. Top Candidates May Have: Associate or Bachelor degree in Engineering Manufacturing or Industrial Technology (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial concentration preferred) Automation system experience, including PLCs and robots used in assembly, deburring. Significant previous machine tools process (CNC) experience. Grinding and Honing process experience. Experience in diesel and fuel systems. Supplier collaboration. Management experience. APQP experience. Experience with 6 Sigma and Lean Manufacturing concepts. End-of-Line testing and analysis experience. Additional Information: This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility. Up to 25% travel, both domestic and international. Domestic relocation assistance is available. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. Please ensure you frequently sign in to your Candidate Home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for: https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers #LI Summary Pay Range: $97,530.00 - $146,290.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. Medical, dental, and vision benefits* Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* 401(k) savings plans* Health Savings Account (HSA)* Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* Health Lifestyle Programs* Employee Assistance Program* Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* Career Development* Incentive bonus* Disability benefits Life Insurance Parental leave Adoption benefits Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: August 3, 2026 - August 17, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .