Manufacturing Project Engineer - New Capital Projects

Caterpillar Brazil; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; 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 Project Engineer for New Capital Introduction to plan, lead, and deliver capital equipment and facility-improvement projects.

You will manage from concept to funding, engage suppliers, install, validate, and hand off to operations, applying Lean, change control, and cross-functional leadership. A college degree in a technical curriculum is required; relocation is available and sponsorship is not.

Qualifications

• College degree in technical curriculum required.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and Lean principles.
• Experience with capital equipment projects and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects for new manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation, and process changes.
• Manage projects from concept to funding, supplier engagement, installation, validation, and handoff to operations.
• Identify risks, develop mitigation plans, and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Project management

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Supplier collaboration

Change control

Capacity planning

Cross-functional leadership

Manufacturing processes

Education

College degree in technical curriculum

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.

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.

About LPSD

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufactures large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide. LPSD teams work across regions and functions to deliver safe, reliable and compliant solutions that help solve our

Job Summary

The Project Engineer for New Capital Introduction is responsible for planning, leading, and executing capital equipment and facility improvement projects within the Lafayette Large Engine Center. This position will manage projects from concept development through funding approval, supplier engagement, installation, validation, production release, and project closure. The position requires strong manufacturing knowledge, disciplined project management, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to deliver safe, high-quality, cost-effective solutions that improve capacity, capability, efficiency, and operational performance.

What you will do

Lead capital projects for new manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation, and process changes supporting engine manufacturing operations. Manage projects through the full capital project lifecycle, including concept development, feasibility analysis, design review, supplier selection, procurement, installation planning, commissioning, validation, production readiness, and final handoff to operations. Coordinate technical evaluations, layout development, capacity analysis, process flow assessments, and equipment specifications to ensure solutions meet business requirements. Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, elevate issues appropriately, and lead problem‑solving processes.

Education Requirement

College degree in technical curriculum

Problem Solving

Working knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

Judgement and Decision Making

Extensive 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.

Project Management

Strong project management and project leadership skills are critical to successfully manage and deploy new manufacturing machines, tools, and processes. Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

Manufacturing Best Practices and Standards

Basic knowledge of best practices and standards for improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of the design, production, and distribution of manufacturing products; ability to create and implement best practices and standards for various manufacturing processes and activities.

Manufacturing Process Design and Development

Basic knowledge of how to develop or design a manufacturing process; ability to establish and determine which processes and parameters should be opted to improve functionality and costs.

Capacity Planning & Management - MFG

Working knowledge of tools, approaches and practices for determining production demand and ability to manage resources needed to provide satisfactory levels of service.

Change Control - MFG

Basic knowledge of the processes and procedures for which a change is identified, evaluated, approved, monitored and documented; ability to manage changes in the production environment and processes effectively.

Lean Manufacturing

Working 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.

Supplier Collaboration

Works with suppliers (both internal and external) in the development of projects, which ensure the most efficient and cost-effective systems. Requires analytical ability as well as excellent oral and written communications skills and thorough knowledge concerning the capabilities of both domestic and foreign suppliers.

Top candidates will also have

NCI (New Capital Introduction) Collaborates with internal and external process partners throughout the NCI (New Capital Introduction) process. Uses knowledge gained through years of experience to develop innovative tooling, fixturing, sequencing solutions to resolve PQVC issues.

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 roll

Summary Pay Range: $112,710.00 - $169,060.00 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: August 21, 2026 - August 30, 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.

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.