Packaging Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL is seeking a Packaging Engineer to develop packaging for outbound shipping within the Large Mining Trucks product group.

You will create packaging plans, support NPI and NSI programs, and work with suppliers to ensure high-quality packaging at the lowest total enterprise cost. The role involves establishing specifications, cost analyses, and leading Green Belt projects while coordinating with operations and suppliers to ensure items are shipped efficiently and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of packaging tools, approaches and practices.
• Ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions.
• Ability to work constructively with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of analytical tools and root-cause analysis methods.
• Strong communication concepts and effective information exchange.

Responsibilities

• Establish packaging specs at part-number level for new product introductions or cost-savings opportunities.
• Perform cost analysis on packaging options and recommend changes.
• Lead Green Belt projects and drive packaging improvements.
• Design or evaluate packaging to ensure protection and safe delivery to customers.
• Coordinate with operations for storage, ergonomics, and packaging validation during pilots.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

Decision making

Collaborating

Analytical thinking

Effective communications

Education

Bachelor of Science in Packaging or related field

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

Supply Chain and Logistics

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.

At Caterpillar, we work to help our customers build a better world. Without our team of talented, bright and driven individuals, we wouldn’t be the Caterpillar we are today. Now, this is your chance to join our team and do work that matters. We want you to help us enable customer success, make progress possible around the world and help our communities grow and thrive. We are looking for a dynamic, organized self-starter to join our Product Support and Logistics Division as a Packaging Engineer in Decatur, IL.

Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. PSLD is responsible for the worldwide distribution of Cat aftermarket parts, integrated logistics, and global service to develop and support our global dealer network and customers.

We're committed to our customers, who build a better world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should always choose us. We're exploring new ideas and opportunities -innovating to discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth.

Job Summary

This Packaging Engineer supports the Large Mining Trucks (LMT) product group developing packaging solutions for outbound shipping. You will be responsible for developing packaging plans, New Product Introduction and New Sourcing Introduction programs, and working with suppliers to ensure highest quality packaging at the lowest total enterprise cost.

Additional Information

• Location: Decatur, IL (United States)
• Shift: This role is 1st shift with 5% off shift hours
• Required Travel: Up to 5% (Domestic)
• Relocation Assistance Offered: None
• U.S. Work Authorization Sponsorship Offered: None

What You Will Do

• Establish packaging and processing specifications at the part number level for new product introductions, cost savings, or other improvement opportunities.
• Perform cost analysis on packaging options and recommend changes where appropriate.
• Lead Green Belt projects
• Design or evaluate to ensure parts are protected, shipped, and delivered to the customer in a usable fashion
• Validate new packaging and containers during pilot phase by auditing to the packaging specification.
• Coordinate with operations for storage and ergonomic considerations
• Validate returnable quantities through simulationsResolve safety and / or quality issues caused by current packaging
• Resolve issues reported by customers and process partners
• Develop, communicate and maintain supplier packaging requirements
• Create packaging concepts using 3D modeling software

What You Have (Required Skills)

• Packaging: Knowledge of packaging tools, approaches and practices. Familiar with packaging concepts
• 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.
• Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

What Will Put You Ahead (Preferred Skills)

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Packaging, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent engineering degree.
• Strong organizational skills
• Demonstratable packaging knowledge
• Ability to perform data query analysis (i.e. SAS, business objects)
• Project management experience
• Develop and deploy creative / original solutions to complex problems
• Interpersonal, teamwork, organization and communication skills
• Additional packaging design experience in automotive or similar industry
• Supply chain knowledge
• Transportation and logistics knowledge

What You Will Get

This is Caterpillar - creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about The Caterpillar Experience and why It's More Than a Job, it's a Career at Caterpillar.

Learn more about what happens inside Caterpillar's Product Support & Logistics Division (PSLD).

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

August 12, 2026 - August 26, 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.