Foundry Process Engineer – Casting & Automation

Caterpillar Inc.; Mapleton (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. seeks a Foundry Manufacturing Engineer to optimize casting operations and lead capital projects in Mapleton, IL. You’ll troubleshoot mold issues, support live production, and drive improvements across safety, quality, and productivity.

The role collaborates with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams and requires a bachelor’s in metallurgy or related field, plus strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Applied Engineering with a specialized concentration or minor in metal casting and foundry technology is required.
• Strong analytical thinking to determine root causes and create effective solutions.
• Effective communication to convey ideas clearly across teams.
• Knowledge of design for manufacturability guidelines and manufacturing processes.
• Engineering knowledge of manufacturing environments and process optimization.
• Understanding of product testing approaches to ensure quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical problems in live production.

Responsibilities

• Process Troubleshooting & Improvement: Investigate mold failures and lead trials on materials and handling methods.
• Production & Operations Support: Work with melt/cast deck teams during live production; respond quickly to downtime and process issues; improve mold handling and ergonomics.
• Caterpillar Manufacturing Systems & Governance: Execute capital project processes; support NPI and change management; operate within Caterpillar procedures and governance.
• Project Leadership & Execution: Lead manufacturing and facility projects from concept through implementation; manage scope, schedule, and stakeholders.
• Automation & Mechanical Systems Support: Apply knowledge of manufacturing automation and equipment; support integration and balance project execution with operations.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Technical Excellence

Design for Manufacturability

Engineering - MFG

Product Testing

Troubleshooting Technical Problems

Supplier Management

Independent Execution

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Applied Engineering with a specialized concentration or minor in metal casting and foundry technology

Tools

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. seeks a Foundry Manufacturing Engineer to optimize casting operations and lead capital projects in Mapleton, IL. You’ll troubleshoot mold issues, support live production, and drive improvements across safety, quality, and productivity.

The role collaborates with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams and requires a bachelor’s in metallurgy or related field, plus strong problem-solving and communication skills.