Manufacturing Project Engineer

Career Area:

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.

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Project Engineer plays a key role in driving operational excellence by leading high‑impact projects that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and production stability. This role partners closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver end‑to‑end solutions, ensuring successful execution from concept through implementation.

In this position, you will support development of modern manufacturing capabilities aligned with Enterprise Capability Owners, with a strong focus on production stability and optimizing manufacturing performance. You will lead initiatives related to new product introductions, process improvements, and equipment integration, while identifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiency across the plant.

This role also brings a strong connection to research and development, supporting the transition of innovative ideas into scalable, production‑ready solutions. By leveraging technical expertise, data‑driven insights, and collaboration across engineering and operations teams, you will help bridge development and manufacturing to deliver reliable, high‑quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

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
• 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 develop modern manufacturing capabilities addressing Safety, Quality, Velocity, and Cost
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to Enterprise Capability Owners (ECOs), operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customers
• Deploy technical strategies, provide technical guidance and mentoring to pilot locations for modern manufacturing solutions

Education Requirement

• 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.

What Skills You Will Have

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.

Additional Information

• Location: Sanford, NC – 5 Days a Week Onsite
• Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position
• Up to 10% travel may be required

Summary Pay Range:

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

Posting Dates:

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.

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