Manufacturing Engineer

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.

Job Summary:       

In this role as a Manufacturing Engineer, you will report to the Manager Manufacturing Engineering and be responsible for supporting and improving machining operations with a focus on lathe manufacturing processes. You will provide technical guidance related to safety, quality, productivity, cost, tooling, and equipment performance while partnering with production teams to drive continuous improvement. As a member of the Manufacturing Engineering team, you will play a key role in optimizing machining processes, improving product quality, and building a defect-free culture.

We have a talented team that does some of the most exciting work at Caterpillar, and we can't wait for you to join us!

What You Will Do:

• Support and improve lathe machining operations, ensuring processes are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting production and quality requirements.
• Develop and implement tooling, fixturing, and machining process improvements for both new and existing products.
• Document safety risks through Safety FMEAs and drive root cause corrective actions for injuries, near misses, and process-related safety concerns.
• Document quality risks through Process FMEAs and implement corrective actions to reduce scrap, rework, and defects.
• Analyze machining performance data and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, productivity gains, and cost savings.
• Provide engineering support for CNC and manual lathe operations, including process development, tooling selection, machine capability, and troubleshooting.
• Partner with operations, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve machining issues and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for machining defects, dimensional concerns, and process variation.
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes by developing robust machining processes that meet quality and production requirements.
• Promote Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the machining area.

Education requirement:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution, or equivalent knowledge and skills gained through relevant professional experience.

What skills you will have:

Decision Making and Critical Thinking:

• Applies data-driven decision making to identify and resolve issues related to lathe machining operations, process capability, quality, and productivity.
• Provides guidance to others in analyzing manufacturing data, identifying root causes, and evaluating alternative solutions to improve process performance.
• Challenges assumptions and conventional practices through objective analysis to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Manufacturing Processes:

• Leverages knowledge of CNC and manual lathe machining processes, tooling, fixturing, and manufacturing best practices to improve operational performance.
• Provides technical guidance on critical machining considerations, including process capability, cutting parameters, tool life, quality requirements, and production efficiency.
• Identifies, develops, and optimizes machining methodologies to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Evaluates emerging technologies, tooling solutions, and manufacturing processes to determine their suitability and potential business impact.

Manufacturing Processes:

• Ensures communication vehicles are effectively informing affected areas and employees.
• Collaborates with other functions on establishing and documenting joint standards.
• Participates in defining principles and standards for organization

Problem Solving:

• Oversees the resolution of issues and provides feedback to downstream customers.
• Executes established procedures for addressing non-standard or atypical problems.
• Employs a specific discipline or methodology for problem-solving and resolution

Additional Information:    

The location for this position is Mapleton, IL     

Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position will require 10% travel.

#LI

 

 

Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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.

 

 

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

July 22, 2026 - July 29, 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.

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