Continuous Product Improvement Engineer

Career Area:

Strategy

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 Integrated Components Division (ICD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In ICD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We are a global team that designs and manufactures components embedded into a machine’s architecture -- delivering superior customer value and competitive advantage. ​Our components (Undercarriage, GET, Hose & Coupling. Fluids & Filter, Seals, Tubes & Hardware) are essential to differentiating our prime products, enhancing performance, quality, and safety from the inside out. ​Our components are also built with the aftermarket in mind, helping customers get reliable service and performance wherever they operate.

As a Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) Engineer, you will utilize the corporate CPI process and tools for leading teams to resolve product and process issues and implement improvements in production and/or on existing products with dealers and customers. You will work closely with component design, the Machine Business Divisions (supporting machines such as Small, Medium, and Large Track Type Tractors), component manufacturing teams, machine development teams, suppliers, and production facilities to identify and implement improvements. You will lead projects supporting component design controls addressing design, supplier quality, manufacturing, and/or assembly quality issues. You will also analyze and report the warranty, good-will and Assurance spending for Wear &/or Maintenance components and assemblies and will lead monthly product health meetings.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and manage CPI process execution for assigned CPI Projects
• Close-resolve 10-12 standard projects per calendar year when fully effective
• Plan, coordinate, and ensure execution of all team activities
• Maintain and communicate project status and 6 sigma phase (DMAIC – Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) completion targets; ensure required elements of each 6 Sigma phase are completed and properly documented
• Escalate obstacles to timely project execution to the project sponsor and CPI list manager
• Meet Maintenance & Wear component business and corporate CPI metrics

What skills you will have:

Analytical Thinking: Demonstrates advanced analytical capabilities using tools such as Excel, Power BI, and statistical software to interpret complex quality and performance data. Applies root cause analysis techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) to identify and resolve recurring product or process issues. Uses data visualization to communicate insights and drive informed decision-making across engineering and manufacturing teams.

Problem Solving: Brings hands-on experience in resolving product quality issues through structured problem-solving methodologies like DMAIC, 8D, and A3. Anticipates potential failures in design or production and proactively implements corrective and preventive actions. Applies problem-solving skills across diverse scenarios, from field performance concerns to supplier quality deviations.

Process Improvement: Leads continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing product quality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency. Evaluates current production methods and quality control processes, identifying opportunities for optimization. Uses Lean and Six Sigma principles to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and elevate customer satisfaction.

Project Management: Successfully manages cross-functional projects aimed at improving product performance and reducing warranty claims. Plans and executes initiatives using project management tools and techniques, ensuring timely delivery and resource alignment. Coordinates with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to meet project milestones and deliver measurable results.

Interpersonal Relationships: Collaborates effectively with diverse teams across Caterpillar, including design engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, and field service. Builds trust and fosters open communication to align stakeholders around improvement goals. Demonstrates leadership in team settings, facilitating consensus and driving accountability for quality outcomes.

Top candidates will also have:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field Six Sigma Methodology:
• Knowledge of the concepts of six sigma DMAIC methodology; ability to use the methodology to improve the manufacturing processes and control the improvements by eliminating root causes.
• Knowledge of new product introduction (NPI)
• Knowledge using data analytics tools such as excel, Power BI &/or Minitab

Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the Mossville, IL office.

Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

What you will get:

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage, because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual incentive bonus plan*
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
• 401k savings plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (Ex. Accident, Identity Theft Protection)

*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines.

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.

For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media

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Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

September 26, 2025 - October 6, 2025

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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