Manufacturing Project Engineer - Welding Technologies

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. As a Manufacturing Project Engineer based in Mossville, Illinois, you will play a pivotal role in advancing large‑scale manufacturing operations through high‑impact engineering projects that improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost. Working at the intersection of advanced welding and fabrication processes, digital automation, and manufacturing engineering, you will lead initiatives that drive industrialization, process optimization, and operational excellence across internal plants and supplier networks. This role partners closely with design engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to deliver scalable solutions from New Product Introduction (NPI) through full production ramp‑up. Leveraging structured problem‑solving, data‑driven decision making, and continuous improvement methodologies, you will influence how complex manufacturing systems are designed, automated, and sustained. Your work will directly shape repeatable, future‑ready manufacturing processes that enable long‑term business growth.

Additional Information:

The primary work location for this role is Mossville, IL - Tech Center, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility. Sponsorship is not available for this position. Domestic relocation assistance is available. This role might require 30% travel (domestic and international). This role is ideal for an engineer who wants hands‑on technical impact, exposure to cutting‑edge automation, and the opportunity to influence how Caterpillar designs, tests, and deploys world‑class manufacturing solutions. What You'll Do Support manufacturing process development projects that improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost by integrating materials, components, and manual, automated, and robotic welding systems within established manufacturing systems and Caterpillar fabrication environments. Provide hands‑on technical support for manufacturing feasibility, welding processes, tooling, assembly, machining, automation, and supplier‑supported operations, following established standards, procedures, and best practices. Contribute to New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts by helping define manufacturing requirements, welding process flows, work instructions, and quality controls to support the industrialization of welding products, processes, and prototypes. Apply structured problem‑solving and root cause analysis to resolve routine to moderately complex quality, safety, delivery, and cost issues related to welding operations and manufacturing system performance. Collaborate with manufacturing, design engineering, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers to support project execution, milestone tracking, validation activities, and compliance requirements. Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and validation records to ensure compliant, repeatable execution of manual, automated, and robotic welding processes. Collect, document, and analyze manufacturing and process data to identify trends, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities within assigned welding and fabrication processes. Education No Degree Required What skills you will have: Analytical Thinking Applies structured analytical techniques to clearly define problems, assess their impact, and evaluate alternative solutions. Uses data, logic, and intuition to identify root causes and draw well‑supported conclusions that address complex organizational challenges. Decision Making and Critical Thinking Applies structured decision‑making approaches to analyze situations objectively, challenge assumptions, and assess potential impacts of various options. Leverages historical insights, validated data, and consultative or consensus‑based methods to guide sound, defensible decisions and advise others effectively. Technical Excellence Applies sound technical knowledge to deliver effective solutions to routine and moderately complex challenges while continuously expanding expertise. Adheres to technical standards and best practices, supports high‑quality outcomes, and assists others in resolving technical or procedural issues. Manufacturing Standards, Procedures, and Policies Demonstrates foundational knowledge of manufacturing standards and policies and consistently follows established procedures. Actively seeks out and applies documentation and specifications to support compliance within assigned manufacturing processes. Troubleshooting Technical Problems Identifies, documents, and resolves common technical issues using established troubleshooting methods and diagnostic tools. Follows standard procedures, collaborates with vendors as needed, and contributes to the development of effective troubleshooting criteria.

Top Candidates will also have:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, etc. Background in heavy equipment, industrial manufacturing, or high‑mix production environments, applying core manufacturing engineering fundamentals (assembly, machining, fabrication, or automation). Working knowledge of metal brazing, resistance welding , aluminum welding and laser welding. Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), or manufacturing transformation initiatives within a production environment. Exposure to supplier development or third‑party manufacturing oversight, with an understanding of capacity planning, APQP, and quality systems.

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00 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:

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. There's more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee's contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we've built.