Packaging Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Morton (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design and implement packaging solutions for Aftermarket Parts, collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to protect parts through storage, transport, and distribution.

You will drive continuous improvement in packaging safety, quality, sustainability, and cost, provide onsite support to packaging and warehouse operations, and develop standards and best practices for global dissemination.

Qualifications

• Understanding of packaging tools, approaches and practices; safety and quality focus.
• Ability to analyze packaging requirements and develop effective packaging solutions.
• Experience or coursework in packaging in manufacturing or logistics environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement packaging solutions for aftermarket parts.
• Collaborate with suppliers, procurement, product groups and cross-functional partners.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives on packaging safety, quality, sustainability and cost.
• Provide onsite support to packaging and warehouse operations and address issues.
• Audit supplier packaging solutions and ensure compliance with standards.
• Develop corrective actions for packaging nonconformances and damage.
• Communicate audit findings and corrective actions to stakeholders.
• Evaluate part characteristics and network data to determine optimal packaging methods.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Decision making

Communication

Packaging knowledge

Customer service mindset

Education

Engineering degree 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.

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. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics and Global Services supporting Caterpillar dealers and customers. Our teams work together in critical areas that leverage digital capabilities, technology and operational excellence.

As a Packaging Engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners to design, develop, and continuously improve packaging solutions for Aftermarket Parts.

Additional Information

• This role is located in Morton, IL or Clayton, OH and does not offer relocation.
• This role is 1st shift, Monday – Friday.
• This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules.
• This role requires up to 10% domestic travel.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, and implement packaging solutions that protect aftermarket parts throughout storage, transportation, and distribution.
• Collaborate with suppliers, procurement teams, product groups, and cross-functional partners to deliver effective customer-ready packaging solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging safety, quality, sustainability, and cost optimization.
• Provide onsite support to packaging and warehouse operations, troubleshooting packaging issues and identifying opportunities for operational improvement.
• Conduct audits of supplier packaging solutions to ensure compliance with packaging standards and specifications.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to address packaging nonconformances, quality concerns, and transportation-related damage.
• Communicate audit findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate part characteristics, handling requirements, and distribution network data to determine optimal packaging methods and materials.
• Monitor packaging performance and investigate quality issues to improve product protection and customer satisfaction.
• Create, maintain, and continuously improve packaging standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Provide customer service and technical support for packaging-related questions and issues from internal and external stakeholders around the world.
• Review engineering drawings, part specifications, and technical documentation to determine packaging requirements and develop appropriate packaging solutions.
• Support supplier packaging quality efforts by ensuring parts are packaged, shipped, and delivered in accordance with established standards and customer expectations.

What You Have (Basic Requirements)

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• 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.
• Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• 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.
• 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.
• Packaging: Knowledge of packaging tools, approaches and practices; ability to package products and components safely and attractively.
• Service Excellence: Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.

What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have)

• Degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Internship, co-op, project, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or supply chain environment.
• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build positive relationships and support internal and external customers.
• Exposure to working with suppliers, vendors, or cross-functional teams through coursework, internships, co-ops, or professional experience.
• Interest in aftermarket parts distribution, logistics, and supply chain operations.
• Foundational understanding of packaging principles, materials, or processes gained through coursework, projects, internships, or work experience.
• Knowledge of manufacturing safety practices and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate information and identify practical solutions.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and clearly share information.
• Experience interpreting technical information, engineering drawings, specifications, or manufacturing documentation through academic projects, internships, or professional experience.

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).

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

#BI

Summary Pay Range

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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

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

Posting Dates

September 16, 2026 - September 28, 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.