Job Information
Caterpillar, Inc. Castings Manufacturing Project Engineer in Peoria, Illinois
Career Area:
Manufacturing
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.
Job Summary:
The Wear Components Technical Services team plays a critical role in supporting Caterpillar’s Ground Engaging Tools (GET) and Undercarriage (UC) components across a broad portfolio of machine platforms. As a Castings & Forgings Manufacturing Project Engineer , you will be at the center of product development and transforming how these critical components are manufactured —driving innovation, performance, cost management, and above all, quality.
In this role, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively to develop manufacturing sources, improve processes, resolve product issues, and shape future state manufacturing strategies. You’ll leverage knowledge in metallurgy & processing to help drive the design, development, and production of world class wear components. You’ll serve as a guide for manufacturing APQP , and a technical leader and trusted subject matter expert on steel castings & forgings . You will help steer projects from concept through execution while ensuring alignment with Caterpillar’s commitments to People, Quality, Velocity, and Cost .
What You Will Do:
Provide technical leadership on a variety of manufacturing projects supporting GET and UC components, particularly related to casting & forging of steel wear components. Partner with internal resources and external suppliers to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
Work directly with suppliers & facilities on APQP based development of parts into production, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and other sourcing efforts.
Collaborate closely with engineering teams to evaluate product and process designs, assessing manufacturability, feasibility, and opportunities for continuous improvement in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) .
Participate in component & process risk assessment under the framework of APQP and drive appropriate product & process validation and controls to ensure quality and that customer requirements are met.
Serve as a technical resource for our worldwide team of manufacturing and supplier development engineers: strengthening their technical capability and knowledge of casting & forging processes, while promoting APQP standards & best practices across our manufacturing base.
Develop and manage detailed project plans, clearly defining scope, timing, resources, and risks to meet customer and business expectations.
Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and specifically coordinate manufacturing related activities with product groups and manufacturing teams to ensure successful launches and production readiness.
Education requirement:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a related field, or equivalent technical knowledge demonstrated through professional experience.
What skills you will have:
Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG):
Follow the APQP framework to develop robust manufacturing processes with controls to ensure highest quality in development and production.
Apply metallurgical knowledge to support material selection, casting processes, wear performance, and manufacturability of GET and UC components.
Support steel casting and forging manufacturing processes , including process development, optimization, and production readiness.
Knowledge & use of appropriate tools and simulations (for example, Magma casting simulation) in collaboration with supply base to develop, evaluate, and select optimal manufacturing processes.
Support and coach supplier development engineers and supplier resources on product requirements and process design methodologies, strengthening technical depth & capability within the extended team.
Apply lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve process flow, and enhance overall process capability.
Technical Troubleshooting:
Identify and resolve complex manufacturing, equipment, material, and process issues using structured problem solving and data analysis .
Partner with operations, engineering, quality, procurement, and suppliers to troubleshoot issues impacting safety, quality, delivery, or cost.
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions to drive sustainable improvements in manufacturing performance and product consistency.
Project Management:
Organizing & driving progress for component production startup with our facilities and worldwide supply base.
Coordinate and influence cross functional teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, and suppliers to deliver results.
Promote and apply best practices in project execution and capital management to drive consistency, repeatability, and predictable outcomes.
Lead manufacturing and capital projects from concept through implementation, balancing scope, schedule, and budget.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking:
Actively seek input from multiple cross functional partners to develop well-rounded, enterprise focused solutions.
Make informed decisions that support both short-term execution and long-term manufacturing strategy across People, Quality, Velocity, and Cost.
Communicate decisions clearly and confidently, building alignment and buy in across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams.
Additional Information:
This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the Peoria, IL office.
Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
This position may require up to 25% travel.
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.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
April 16, 2026 - April 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community (http://flows.beamery.com/caterpillarinc/talcom) .