Manufacturing Project Engineer

East Peoria, Illinois

Full time

R0000379506

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

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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 escalate 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 escalate 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.

Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

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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:

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:

September 22, 2026 - September 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.

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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.