Machine Tech Lead – Pipelayer

Caterpillar Inc.

Chennai District

On-site

INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Chennai, India, seeks a Pipelayer Machine Tech Lead to act as the single-point technical leader for the Pipelayer platform.

You will steer strategy, engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, product quality, and lifecycle profitability to deliver customer-focused products. You will lead cross-functional teams across global Caterpillar organizations, drive DFM/DFMA improvements, and influence the long-term technical roadmap for the Pipelayer platform.

Qualifications

10+ years of progressively responsible job-related experience.
Strong technical, project leadership and manufacturing skills.
Experience with Lean Product Development practices.
Understanding of product test & development.
Excellent problem-solving skills and team management capabilities.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end product development from concept through validation using LPPD, NPI, and CPPD methodologies.
Support Pipelayer product portfolio technical requirements, specifications, and engineering decisions.
Drive program execution to achieve performance, reliability, durability, time, cost & quality targets.
Provide technical leadership and coordinate cross-functional teams across global Caterpillar organizations.
Lead integration of L4 systems at machine level with APQP, virtual validation, and data-driven decisions.

Skills

Product Development

Systems Integration

Program Leadership

DFM/DFMA

Product Economics

Market Understanding

Collaboration

Education

Mechanical Engineering Degree

Tools

Teamcenter

HVC

PPRD

Vis View

Job description

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.

Career Area

Engineering

Role Definition

India Pipelayer Machine Tech Lead shall serve as the single-point technical leader for Pipelayer platform. Incumbent shall integrate product strategy, engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, product quality, and lifecycle profitability to deliver successful customer-focused products.

Skill Descriptor & Responsibilities

Product Development & Technical Leadership

Lead end-to-end product development from concept through validation using LPPD, NPI, and CPPD methodologies.
Support Pipelayer product portfolio technical requirements, specifications, and engineering decisions.
Drive program execution to achieve performance, reliability, durability, time, cost & quality targets.
Provide technical leadership and coordinate cross-functional teams across global Caterpillar organizations.

Machine Systems Integration

Lead integration of L4 systems at machine level, ensure APQP rigor through design reviews, virtual validation, physical testing, and data-driven decision making.

Product Health & Continuous Improvement

Support product health and lifecycle support for current and legacy Pipelayer models, Lead Next Generation Pipelayer product development.
Lead failure mode analysis, root cause, corrective action (RCCA) implementation and durability through continuous improvement initiatives.

Manufacturing & Product Economics

Partner with global manufacturing teams to support new product launches, production ramp-up, and build quality improvements.
Apply DFM&A principles to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and product quality.
Drive achievement of LCP cost targets through value engineering and cost reduction initiatives.

Customer, Market & Product Strategy

Represent Voice of Customer by understanding application needs, market trends, and competitive products.
Translate customer insights into product improvements and future product requirements.
Influence the long-term technical roadmap and product strategy for the Pipelayer platform.

Desired Core Skills

Product Development: Lead product development from requirements through design, validation, release, and production support.
Machine Systems Integration Expertise: Integrate structures, hydraulics, powertrain, controls, and attachment systems into a reliable machine-level solution.
Program Technical Leadership: Influence decisions, align cross-functional teams, and manage technical execution to meet program objectives.
DFM&A: Apply manufacturability and assembly principles to improve build quality, cost, and production readiness.
Product Economics: Balance technical decisions with cost, value, lifecycle profitability, and business case expectations.
Market & Customer Needs Understanding: Translate customer applications, dealer input, and market trends into meaningful product requirements.
Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, lead cross-functional discussions, and collaborate with global teams to drive alignment and results.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

Proven ability to foster a highly collaborative, inclusive team culture and navigate complex issues.
Strong understanding of Caterpillar's NPI process.
Proficiency in key engineering systems such as Team Center, HVC, PPRD, my NPI, and Vis View.
Solid knowledge of engineering design, check, and release workflow process.
Experience with LPPD, and working knowledge of LPPD practices, FEA, and FMEA methods.
Machine level test validation experience.
Pipelayer / Track-type tractor system design experience shall be advantageous.
Demonstrated business acumen, including cost, pricing, margins, OPACC, and NPV analysis.
Familiarity with machine level service activities, the Caterpillar dealer network, and SIS Web.

Desired Qualifications