Manufacturing Engineer

Caterpillar Caterpillar · Industrial · Tucson, AZ

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on shaping and deploying modern manufacturing capabilities, optimizing processes, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies like IIoT, digital twins, and automation across global manufacturing networks. The role involves technical expertise in process design, standardization, troubleshooting, and driving continuous improvement using Lean and APQP principles, with applications in large mining and off-highway truck platforms, and emerging electrification programs.

What you'd actually do

  1. Support new technology development, ensuring designs, standards, and documentation are optimized for deployment across both physical and virtual manufacturing environments.
  2. Provide process development, technical expertise, and project management support to internal stakeholders and leadership.
  3. Troubleshoot day‑to‑day manufacturing issues, monitor equipment and process reliability, and address problem areas to ensure stable operations.
  4. Analyze and implement engineering changes, driving required part and process updates.
  5. Identify and implement connectivity, condition monitoring, and IIoT enhancements to complex manufacturing equipment and processes, including support for digital twin initiatives.

Skills

Required

  • Apply creative, data‑driven problem‑solving skills to address challenges related to safety, quality, cost, and throughput using methodologies such as Six Sigma, DOE, SPC, and OEE.
  • Utilize Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and improve operational performance.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and lead corrective actions using data analytics and visualization tools such as Power BI.
  • Develop and implement shop‑floor processes for machining, welding, and robotic systems, including tooling, work instructions, routings, BOMs, standard work, control plans, and FMEAs.
  • Evaluate and support manufacturing systems using advanced tools, including IIoT connectivity, digital twins, and condition monitoring solutions.
  • Assess production readiness of new equipment and automation, including controls and integration (PLC, NX, Fanuc, SCADA, robotics, sensors, and DAQ systems).
  • Design and implement assembly processes aligned with Caterpillar manufacturing standards, including work on large mining equipment and off‑highway truck platforms.
  • Leverage experience working in physical and virtual manufacturing environments to optimize system performance and scalability.
  • Apply manufacturing engineering expertise to design and implement engineering controls and machine interlocks that mitigate high‑risk hazards.
  • Develop mistake‑proof, standardized processes to support safe and reliable operation of automated and connected systems.
  • Ensure employees are trained and certified to safely perform standard work and operate equipment independently.
  • Utilize expertise with Siemens and PTC software tools to support product design integration, manufacturing simulation, and process standardization.
  • Support collaboration across engineering, supply base, and manufacturing teams to align on design for manufacturability and supplier integration.