Manufacturing Project Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

PTO

401(k)

HSA

FSAs

Career development

Incentive bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria, IL seeks a Manufacturing Project Engineer to lead factory digitalization and connected asset initiatives, coordinating cross‑functional teams to deliver on schedule and within scope using MS Project, Lists, and Power BI.

You will partner with Manufacturing, IT, Maintenance, Quality, and suppliers to deploy MES, IIoT, and factory software, drive continuous improvement, manage budgets, and mentor project stakeholders through change management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing/project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate connected asset, manufacturing software, and digital transformation projects within the factory environment.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, resource assignments, and deliverables using Microsoft Project.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure daily project activities are completed on time.
• Monitor progress, identify delays, and escalate issues to leadership as needed.
• Coordinate implementation of manufacturing software solutions, connected asset technologies, and automation initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through digital tools and data-driven decision making.

Skills

Project Management

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Lists

Collaboration Tools

Manufacturing Systems

Cross‑Functional Leadership

Risk Management

Data Analysis

Decision Making

Technical Troubleshooting

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Lists

SharePoint

Power BI

Power Automate

Microsoft Teams

MES

SCADA

IIoT

Job description

Job Description

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

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.

Hear About The Caterpillar Experience For Yourself

Role Definition

The Manufacturing Project Engineer position falls within the Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division. Connected Assets & Manufacturing Systems play a critical role within the US Drivetrain Operations by leading factory digitalization, connected asset, and manufacturing software initiatives. This position is responsible for planning, tracking, and executing projects that improve operational performance, visibility, and efficiency across the organization. The selected candidate will leverage tools such as Microsoft Project, Microsoft Lists, Power BI, and Power Automate to manage project schedules, track deliverables, monitor risks, and drive accountability across cross‑functional teams. Working closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, IT, Quality, suppliers, and other business partners, this individual will ensure project milestones and daily activities are completed on time while proactively identifying and escalating issues that may impact project success. The role will support the implementation of connected asset technologies, data‑driven solutions, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects that enhance Safety, Quality, Velocity, and Cost performance.

What You Will Do

• Lead and coordinate connected asset, manufacturing software, and digital transformation projects within the factory environment.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, resource assignments, and deliverables using Microsoft Project, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within scope.
• Utilize Microsoft Lists, dashboards, and reporting tools to track project status, action items, issues, risks, and project deliverables.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, IT, Maintenance, Quality, and suppliers to ensure daily project activities are completed on time.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential delays or roadblocks, and proactively elevate issues to leadership when support or intervention is required.
• Coordinate implementation of manufacturing software solutions, connected asset technologies, data collection systems, and factory automation initiatives.
• Facilitate project meetings, communicate status updates, document action items, and ensure accountability across all stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes through digital tools, automation, and data-driven decision making.
• Work with internal and external partners to evaluate technical solutions, define project requirements, and support successful deployment of manufacturing technologies.
• Track project budgets, schedules, risks, and performance metrics to ensure successful project execution.
• Support change management activities including training, documentation, and process adoption for new systems and technologies.

Degree Requirement

• Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Systems, Project Management, or related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing and project management experience will be considered – minimum of 5 years of experience

What You Must Have (Skills)

• Project Management - Knowledge of project management principles, tools, and methodologies. Ability to plan, organize, execute, monitor, and close projects while managing schedules, resources, risks, and deliverables.
• Microsoft Project - Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Project for project scheduling, resource planning, progress tracking, critical path management, and project reporting.
• Microsoft Lists & Collaboration Tools - Experience utilizing Microsoft Lists, SharePoint, Teams, and related Microsoft 365 applications to manage tasks, project actions, workflows, status reporting, and team collaboration.
• Manufacturing Systems & Connected Assets - Understanding of manufacturing systems, connected devices, Industrial IoT (IIoT), asset monitoring technologies, and factory software applications.
• Cross-Functional Leadership - Ability to coordinate activities across multiple departments, drive accountability, influence stakeholders, and lead teams toward achieving project objectives.
• Risk Management & Escalation - Ability to identify project risks, proactively address obstacles, and elevate critical issues in a timely manner to ensure project success.
• Data Analysis & Reporting - Ability to gather, analyze, and communicate project performance metrics, KPIs, and status updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Decision Making & Critical Thinking - Knowledge of decision-making processes and analytical techniques; ability to evaluate alternatives and make sound business decisions based on data and project requirements.
• Technical Troubleshooting - Ability to identify, investigate, and coordinate resolution of software, system integration, and connected asset issues impacting manufacturing operations.
• Continuous Improvement - Experience applying continuous improvement principles to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive operational excellence through technology-enabled solutions.

Top candidates will also have

• Experience implementing manufacturing software systems, MES, SCADA, IIoT, or Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Experience leading multiple concurrent projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with Power BI, SharePoint, Power Automate, and Microsoft Teams.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• PMP, CAPM, Agile, or related project management certification preferred.

Additional Information

• This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 09/30/2026.
• This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
• Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
• This position may require less than 10% travel.

Summary Pay Range

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.