Manufacturing Engineer - Machining

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

Responsible for establishing, optimizing, and sustaining machining manufacturing processes to achieve quality, safety, cost, and productivity objectives. This role requires strong hands-on expertise in machining process development, tooling systems management, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize machining processes for new and existing products, for CNC machining operations such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, tapping, shaping, hobbing, and other specialized processes. Partner with cross functional teams to support operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage tooling strategies, fixture requirements, cutting tool optimization, and tool crib management systems to maximize process performance and cost effectiveness.  
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for manufacturing defects, process failures, and operational inefficiencies. Review and troubleshoot CNC programs and support production teams with technical guidance.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to drive tooling, process, and cost improvements.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in machining process operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven hands-on experience in establishing and industrializing machining processes, including CNC and specialized machining operations, from process design through production implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in tooling management, tool crib operations, supplier/vendor management, process optimization, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Education

• Degree or equivalent manufacturing engineering experience desired.

Skill Descriptors

1. Machining Process Engineering

• Deep understanding of machining principles and material removal processes.
• Expertise in conventional and CNC machining operations.
• Ability to establish robust and repeatable machining processes.
• Strong knowledge of process capability, cycle time optimization, and machining best practices.
• Hands on experience in process documentation, setup instructions, tooling lists, and manufacturing standards.

2. Special Machining Processes

• Practical knowledge of Milling, Turning, Drilling, Shaping, Hobbing and other specialized machining operations
• Ability to define process requirements and optimize performance.

3. Tooling & Tool Crib Management

• Expertise in cutting tool selection and optimization.
• Understanding of tool life management and inventory control systems.
• Experience with tool crib management processes and standardization programs.
• Knowledge of fixture design principles and workholding solutions.
• Experience working with tooling suppliers and manufacturing vendors.
• Ability to assess supplier performance and drive improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial and technical collaboration capability.

4. CNC Programming & Manufacturing Systems

• Ability to understand, review, and troubleshoot CNC programs.
• Knowledge of machining centers, turning centers, and multi-axis machining equipment.
• Understanding of machine setup requirements and process validation techniques.

5. Engineering Drawings & Technical Documentation

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting Engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, Manufacturing specifications, CNC programs, Tooling lists, Layout drawings, Setup instructions
• Ability to convert design requirements into manufacturing processes.

6. Metrology & Quality Systems

• Knowledge of dimensional inspection techniques and measurement systems.
• Familiarity with CMMs, gauges, statistical process control (SPC), and capability studies.
• Understanding of quality tools and manufacturing quality systems.

7. Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience leading structured problem-solving activities.
• Ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.

8. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with waste elimination, process optimization, and productivity improvement techniques.
• Ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives.

9. Communication & Collaboration

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across production, quality, Engineering and maintenance teams.
• Capable of presenting technical solutions and influencing cross-functional decisions.

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 13, 2026 - August 20, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.