Manufacturing Project Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics

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.

Manufacturing Project Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics

Location: East Peoria, Illinois, Building SS

Travel: Up to 10%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

As a Manufacturing Project Engineer in East Peoria, Illinois, you will lead projects that improve manufacturing safety, quality, velocity, capacity, and cost. You will apply manufacturing engineering, project management, capacity planning, automation, and technical problem-solving skills to develop and improve production processes.

This position works across manufacturing, engineering, operations, research and development, and supplier teams to implement equipment, systems, and process improvements. You will assess manufacturing requirements, translate demand into capacity plans, identify technical risks, and help deliver solutions that support new product introduction and ongoing production.

The ideal candidate can organize complex projects, communicate effectively with technical and operational stakeholders, and convert manufacturing challenges into practical, measurable improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects implementing industrial automation, robotics, or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Lead manufacturing projects from feasibility and planning through implementation, validation, and production handoff.
• Improve manufacturing safety, quality, velocity, capacity, and cost through process development and continuous improvement.
• Manage project scope, schedules, resources, costs, risks, milestones, contingency plans, and stakeholder reporting.
• Coordinate the installation and integration of manufacturing equipment, tooling, automation, and systems with plant operations and infrastructure.
• Partner with engineering, operations, research and development, quality, maintenance, facilities, supply chain, and suppliers to deliver manufacturing solutions.
• Evaluate product and process designs for manufacturability, capacity requirements, and opportunities to improve or automate existing systems.
• Develop production capacity plans and estimates for equipment, tooling, floor space, labor, and other resource needs.
• Use CAD and engineering tools to develop or review manufacturing layouts, equipment concepts, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and process issues, provide technical guidance, and document decisions, corrective actions, and lessons learned.

Required Skills

• Capacity Planning: Ability to translate demand forecasts and new product plans into production capacity, resource, equipment, space, and cost requirements.
• Computer-Aided Design: Working knowledge of CAD tools for manufacturing layouts, specifications, schematics, and 2D or 3D drawings.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze information, prioritize concerns, assess risks, compare alternatives, and make informed recommendations.
• Manufacturing Engineering: Knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, systems, standards, specifications, and equipment implementation.
• Project Management: Experience managing project scope, schedules, costs, resources, risks, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
• Robotics and Automation: Working knowledge of robotics, industrial automation, and computer-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose, resolve, and document manufacturing equipment, hardware, software, and operational issues.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with new product introduction, manufacturing launch readiness, or production line implementation.
• Experience with CAD, industrial automation, robotics, or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience managing capital equipment projects, including specifications, cost estimates, capacity planning, suppliers, risks, and equipment acceptance.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement methods.
• Relevant engineering education or equivalent manufacturing project experience.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Certified Manufacturing Engineer, or comparable credentials are beneficial but not required.

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

Posting Dates:

November 9, 2026 - November 29, 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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