Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer

Career Area:ManufacturingJob 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.Are you passionate about using technology, data, and innovation to solve complex manufacturing challenges? As a Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing by leading transformative initiatives that improve how we build, operate, and continuously improve our operations.In this role, you won't just support manufacturing processes. You'll help redefine them. From digitizing key performance indicators and modernizing production systems to implementing cutting-edge technologies that enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and production stability, you'll be at the forefront of manufacturing transformation.The Manufacturing Digital Project Engineer plays a key role in driving operational excellence by leading high‑impact projects that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and production stability. This role partners closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver end‑to‑end solutions, ensuring successful execution from concept through implementation.In this position, you will support development of modern manufacturing capabilities aligned with Enterprise Capability Owners, with a strong focus on production stability and optimizing manufacturing performance. Using Lean Manufacturing techniques, you will lead initiatives related to process improvements, and equipment integration, while identifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiency across the enterprise.This role supports the transition of innovative ideas into scalable, production‑ready solutions. By leveraging technical expertise, data‑driven insights, and collaboration across engineering and operations teams, you will help bridge development and end to end manufacturing (fabrication, machining, assembly, and support roles) to deliver reliable, high‑quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.What You Will DoDevelop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and how they interact in a system environmentMonitor and manage manufacturing processes digitallyEvaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to identify automation opportunities, gaps, and improvement potential including kanban, gravity, digital tools and processesConnect manufacturing process knowledge with digital solution design, including data capture, process monitoring, visualization, and performance analyticsCollaborate with engineering, operations, IT, controls and other facility support teams to resolve solution issues and improve reliabilitySupport installation, commissioning, ramp‑up, and stabilization of automation processes in manufacturing and supplier environmentsCommunicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to Enterprise Capability Owners (ECOs), operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customersDeploy technical strategies, provide technical guidance and mentoring to pilot locations for modern manufacturing solutionsWhat skills you will have:Engineering – MFG: Experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, automation engineering, or a related technical field. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial automation, and data-driven decision making. Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational performance.Project Management: Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously. Experience managing technical projects from concept through implementation, commissioning, and stabilization. Knowledge of data analytics, KPI development, dashboard creation, and performance visualization tools.Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex manufacturing challenges, evaluate multiple solutions, and make data-driven decisions. Communication is the most important skill for this role. You will collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to drive digital manufacturing initiatives. Since this role supports enterprise-wide objectives, success depends on your ability to build relationships, establish trust, and create influence across teams and locations.Top Candidates will also have:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Controls Engineering.Experience leading digital manufacturing, automation, or process improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.Additional Information: Location: Sanford, NC – 5 Days a Week OnsiteDomestic relocation assistance is NOT availableVisa sponsorship is NOT available with this positionUp to 10% travel may be requiredSummary Pay Range:$112,710.00 - $169,060.00Compensation 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 benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition Reimbursement* These benefits also apply to part-time employeesThis position requires working onsite five days a week.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.Posting Dates:August 4, 2026 - August 18, 2026Any 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.Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.SummaryLocation: Sanford, North CarolinaType: Full time