Manufacturing Engineer - Process Improvement

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, IN, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead process development, continuous improvement, and production support within a modern facility.

You will use data-driven problem solving, lean tools, and collaboration with engineering and operations to improve efficiency, quality, and cost performance, while ensuring safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is required or beneficial.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving using root cause techniques.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify trends and bottlenecks.
• Develop and maintain SPC methods and process capability studies.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean tools and 5S, standard work, and visual management.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods (DMAIC, 8D, A3) to resolve issues.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement improvements.
• Support New Capital Introduction through data analytics and readiness evaluation.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Lean Manufacturing

Data analysis

CAD tools

Quality systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Statistical methods

Communication

Prioritize multiple projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Related field

Tools

Minitab

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

Python

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

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
• Posting Dates: August 18th - September 1st

This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of "essential job functions" as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.