Program Manager

Caterpillar; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 159,000 - 239,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Caterpillar’s Intelligent Machine Systems (IMS) team is seeking a Program Manager to lead electronic systems and software development collaboration on New Product Introduction, Lifecycle Management, and product improvements for Excavators. You will coordinate between Excavation Division and IMS engineering, align project scope, schedule, and budget.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, cross-team collaboration, and strong stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with New Product Introduction, lifecycle management, and program governance.
• Strong communication and leadership across global teams.

Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate processes for all project teams within the program.
• Serve as liaison among project teams to build bridges and ensure alignment.
• Translate corporate objectives into program objectives and practices.
• Plan and monitor program development to meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Manage all aspects of the program to ensure on-time delivery and acceptance.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data gathering & analysis

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Career Area: Strategy 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.

The Intelligent Machine Systems (IMS) team is seeking a Program Manager to lead electronic systems and software development collaboration related to New Product Introduction, Lifecycle Management, and the continuous improvement of products for Excavators. This leader will promote collaboration and provide critical program coordination between Excavation Division and IMS engineering teams. This role is accountable for alignment with EXD on project portfolio, scope of hardware and software content for each identified project, schedule and cost management, technical issue resolution, and R&D budget. They will foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture, ensuring organizational effectiveness and driving execution across multiple component and software development teams.

What You Will Do:

• Organizing and coordinating processes and procedures for all project teams to follow within the program.
• Serving as a liaison and building bridges among project teams within the program.
• Translating corporate objectives into program objectives and practices.
• Planning and monitoring program development to ensure that quality standards and goals are achieved.
• Managing all aspects of an organizational program to ensure projects within the program are implemented, accepted and accomplished within a set deadline.

Degree Requirement:

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering or equivalent experience desired

What You Will Have:

Data Gathering & Analysis:

Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.

Level Extensive Experience:

• Advises on advanced data gathering and analysis methodologies and technologies.
• Oversees data gathering and analysis activities within the organization.
• Documents sources and validates the accuracy of data analysis by evaluating the pros and cons of data analysis methods used.
• Implements procedures and policies within a data processing function.
• Teaches others how to improve the validity and reliability of data used in various analyses.
• Evaluates best practices of data gathering and analysis within the industry.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

Knowledge of the data-driven decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to gather and analyze data to make organizational decisions that align with strategic business objectives and goals.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Applies an assigned technique for data-driven thinking in a Decision-Making process.
• Discerns between "signal" and "noise" when interpreting data.
• Identifies, obtains, and organizes relevant data and ideas.
• Participates in the process of choosing KPIs and metrics to influence decisions.
• Utilizes the basic data collection and evaluation tools and techniques.

Influencing:

Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Develops basic persuasive arguments.
• Discusses organizational culture around providing input on decisions.
• Uses active listening skills and probing techniques to surface opportunities to influence.
• Identifies who the decision makers are and how they receive information.
• Regularly presents ideas or suggestions to associates in persuasive terms.

Alignment:

Knowledge of the importance of collaboration among team members and the ability to enroll stakeholders in communicating and coordinating activities to support the organization's vision and strategies.

Level Extensive Experience:

• Involves team in discussions focused on clarifying and improving broad commitment.
• Interprets the organization's vision for external stakeholders.
• Establishes clear expectations and accountabilities linked to the vision.
• Develops methods for effectively and consistently communicating strategy and operational goals.
• Helps managers tailor approaches for mobilizing their team around the strategy.
• Refines operational priorities over time to preserve alignment with vision.

Cross-Team Integration:

Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.

Level Extensive Experience:

• Involves key stakeholders in upfront planning efforts.
• Enlists formal and informal network contacts to improve collaboration among teams
• Generates "win-win" strategies to gain support for key initiatives from others across boundaries.
• Establishes ways to encourage teamwork across functions.
• Coaches others on best methods for performing teamwork across organizational boundaries.
• Recommends systems and technology to promote widespread collaboration.

Program Management:

Knowledge of the policies and techniques to manage a set of related projects within a program; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control the set of projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve program objectives.

Level Extensive Experience:

• Evaluates risks and vulnerabilities and creates contingency plans.
• Advises others on preferred tools, techniques and methods for estimating program cost and time.
• Conducts regular and ad-hoc program reviews with project managers, team and clients.
• Coaches others in maintaining open communication among project managers and interested parties.
• Oversees reporting requirements and creates monitoring and control mechanisms.
• Plans, estimates, staffs, organizes and monitors a set of projects within a program.

Team Management:

Knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams.

Level Extensive Experience:

• Brings projects to closure and ensures capture of what can be learned from the experience.
• Leads the definition of team mission and objectives for a variety of teams.
• Employs appropriate techniques for maintaining team enthusiasm, energy, and focus.
• Ensures that team members are on board, unified, and moving in the same direction.
• Communicates both within the team and to stakeholders.
• Learns and utilizes special talents and work styles of team members.

Top candidates will have:

• Advanced Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Systems, controls, and/or embedded software development experience
• Experience with New Product Introduction, New Technology Introduction, Continuous Product Improvement, and product validation
• Demonstrated communication skills and the ability to relate complex technical topics to business objectives
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse, results oriented global team environment
• Experience with processes related to excellence in requirements management, design quality, validation, functional safety, and cybersecurity
• Strong systems thinking, technical decision-making, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration

Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Mossville, IL or Irving, TX office. Domestic relocation assistance available. Visa sponsorship is not available with this position. This position will require up to 10-15% travel. #LI

Summary Pay Range:

$159,120.00 - $238,680.00 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:

October 15, 2026 - November 2, 2026

Additional considerations:

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.

Culture and values:

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. 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.