Manufacturing Engineer - Tool Design Expert

Caterpillar; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

HSA

FSAs

Career development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Onsite workspace

Team environment

Job summary

Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division seeks multiple Manufacturing Engineers with Tool Design expertise for our East Peoria, IL site. You will collaborate with design and production to design fixtures, manage tooling projects, and support capital budgeting and forecasts.

This role emphasizes problem solving, safety and process improvements in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates have a strong background in machining and assembly tooling, with experience

Qualifications

• Decision making and critical thinking using informed judgment.
• Lean manufacturing principles integrated into processes.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, processes, and safety.
• Ability to plan, execute and monitor manufacturing projects.
• Familiarity with standards, policies and problem management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates design, test, build, run-off and application of jigs and fixtures with design engineering and production teams.
• Develops, analyzes and manages Manufacturing/Tool Design Projects and budgets.
• Specialized tooling work or broad project coordination with staff.
• Collaborates with suppliers to develop cost-effective systems and processes.
• Addresses ergonomic, safety, efficiency, and quality issues through creative problem solving.
• Designs and implements manufacturing system integration related to tooling in machining and assembly.

Skills

Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Equipment

Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing Safety

Manufacturing Standards

Problem Management Process

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

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.

Role Definition

Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division is looking for multiple Manufacturing Engineers with expertise in Tool Design!! Come be apart of a growing team

The Manufacturing Engineer (Tool Design Expert) is expected to function as a specialist with respect to a specific technical phase of the planning function and which generally falls within the major areas of planning, tooling, maintenance, plant engineering, releasing, machine shop, assembly, etc. wherever a specific technical assignment may be needed.

What you will do

• Coordinates Design, test, build, run-off and application of jigs and fixtures with design engineering and production teams.
• Develops, analyzes and manages Manufacturing/ Tool Design Projects. Assists in developing department capital and expense budgets. Aids in maintaining the department capital forecast.
• Work assignments may be specialized in nature for tooling but may also be broad based with coordination between other staff personnel to complete a larger project.
• Works with internal and external suppliers to develop and manage projects to ensure efficient and cost-effective systems and processes to produce quality products.
• Engages in creative problem solving to address operational issues including ergonomic/ safety, efficiency improvements, process bottlenecks, quality concerns.
• Designs, develops and implements the integration of manufacturing systems as they relate to tooling in both machining and assembly value steams.

Degree Requirement

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience desired.

What you must have (skills)

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• Judgment and Decision Making: Knowledge of the decision-making process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.
• Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.
• Manufacturing Equipment: Knowledge of the electrical, mechanical and logistics equipment used in manufacturing; ability to safely operate, maintain, update and store them.
• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process.
• Manufacturing Safety: Knowledge of manufacturing safety; ability to identify work-related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site.
• Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance.
• Problem Management Process - MFG: Knowledge of manufacturing problem management processes, methodologies and techniques; ability to use a disciplined approach to bringing that problem to a successful resolution.

Top Candidates will also have

• Appropriate technical or university degree combined with 5 - 7 years of appropriate manufacturing experience or a minimum of 10 years as a Manufacturing Engineer experience.
• Experience within machine shop, gage design and other manufacturing.
• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing concepts
• Experience leading drivetrain capital projects, layout improvements, working with contractors and other manufacturing related project management.
• Experience with manufacturing support activities including test and validation of complex assembly processes.
• Experience within electric drive system manufacturing development.

Additional Information

• This posting will close on 11/4/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
• The location for this position will be onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
• Relocation assistance NOT is available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available.
• This position may require less than 10% travel.

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:

October 21, 2026 - November 4, 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.