Manufacturing Engineer - Process Improvement

Caterpillar Brazil; Lafayette (IN); 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. in Lafayette, IN seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to lead process development and continuous improvement across our production operations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering with hands-on experience in lean manufacturing. You will analyze performance data, implement SPC and lean tools, and drive safety, quality, and cost improvements while collaborating with engineering and operations teams; this onsite position involves

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related engineering field.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Data analysis and problem-solving using root-cause techniques.
• Familiarity with CAD tools and manufacturing systems.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify trends, bottlenecks, sources of variation, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain statistical process control methods, including control charts and capability studies.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using lean tools (value stream mapping, 5S, standard work, visual management, kaizen, mistake-proofing).
• Apply DMAIC, 8D, root cause analysis to resolve process issues.
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement sustainable improvements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

Minitab

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

Python

CAD tools

Job description

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.

Posting Dates: August 18th - September 1st

This newly created Process Improvement Engineering position will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and implementing ideas that drive safety, quality, and operational efficiency across manufacturing operations.

This role uses data analysis, statistical process control, lean manufacturing concepts, and structured problem-solving methods to reduce variation, eliminate waste, improve process capability, and sustain measurable operational gains.

This position requires strong problem-solving skills, engineering expertise, and a passion for innovation in manufacturing.

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading process development, continuous improvement, and production support initiatives within a manufacturing facility. This role focuses on improving efficiency, quality, and cost performance through technical expertise, data-driven problem solving, and collaboration across engineering and operations teams. You will design and optimize manufacturing systems, implement new technologies, and ensure processes meet safety and regulatory standards.

What you will do:

• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify trends, bottlenecks, sources of variation, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain statistical process control methods, including control charts, process capability studies, and reaction plans for key process characteristics.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using lean manufacturing tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, standard work, visual management, kaizen, mistake-proofing, and waste elimination.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods such as DMAIC, A3, 8D, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning to resolve process issues.
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Support the New Capital Introduction process using data analytics to evaluate manufacturing readiness.

Education Requirement:

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Skills you must have:

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, operations, quality, or process engineering environment (machining, assembly, fabrication, automation)
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills using root cause techniques
• Familiarity with CAD tools and manufacturing systems
• Understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical findings through executive-level presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to collect, clean, analyze, interpret, and visualize data to drive decisions.
• Working knowledge of statistical process control, process capability, variation reduction, and basic statistical methods.

Top Candidates will also have:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with Minitab, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python, or other statistical and data analysis tools.
• Experience with automation, robotics, or Industry 4.0 technologies
• Project management experience with demonstrated delivery of measurable improvements in safety

Additional Information:

Travel requirements may be less than 10%. This position will be located in Lafayette, IN Domestic relocation is available. Sponsorship is NOT available for this role

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00 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:

• 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.

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.

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.