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:

As a Production Scheduler at Caterpillar, you will play a critical role in ensuring efficient and timely execution of manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing production schedules that align with demand forecasts, resource availability, and operational goals. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of production planning principles. Proficiency in Excel, SAP, and ERP/MRP systems is essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively across teams and solve complex scheduling challenges. Your contributions will directly impact delivery performance, inventory levels, and overall production efficiency.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize production schedules to meet customer demand, resource availability, and operational targets.

• Analyze production data using Excel and ERP systems (e.g., SAP) to identify trends, constraints, and opportunities for improvement.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and engineering to ensure schedule alignment and execution.

• Monitor schedule adherence and proactively adjust plans to address material shortages, equipment downtime, or capacity issues.

• Communicate scheduling updates, risks, and priorities clearly across all levels of the organization to support informed decision-making.

• Apply production planning and control principles to balance workloads, minimize delays, and improve overall manufacturing efficiency.

Education requirement:

Degree in a related field preferred; alternatively, equivalent production scheduling knowledge gained through professional experience is acceptable.

What skills you will have:

Data Gathering & Analysis:

• Collects and interprets production data to identify trends and bottlenecks.

• Utilizes KPIs and metrics to monitor schedule adherence and efficiency.

• Conducts root cause analysis to resolve scheduling discrepancies.

• Integrates data from multiple sources (ERP, inventory, demand forecasts) for informed decision-making.

• Proficient in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and visualization.

Effective Communications:

• Clearly conveys scheduling priorities and changes to cross-functional teams.

• Facilitates daily production meetings to align teams on goals and constraints.

• Communicates effectively with suppliers and logistics to ensure timely material flow.

• Provides timely updates to leadership on schedule risks and mitigation plans.

• Tailors messaging for different audiences, from shop floor to senior management.

Cross-Team Integration:

• Collaborates with procurement, manufacturing, and quality teams to align production plans.

• Coordinates with engineering and maintenance to minimize downtime and disruptions.

• Supports new product introductions by integrating launch schedules with existing operations.

• Builds strong relationships across departments to foster a culture of shared accountability.

• Leads cross-functional initiatives to improve scheduling processes and outcomes.

Problem Solving:

• Identifies and resolves conflicts between demand and capacity constraints.

• Develops contingency plans for material shortages or equipment failures.

• Uses lean principles to eliminate waste and improve scheduling flow.

• Applies structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram).

• Continuously seeks feedback and implements corrective actions to improve performance.

Production Scheduling and Control:

• Creates and maintains detailed production schedules based on demand forecasts and resource availability.

• Monitors schedule execution and adjusts plans in real-time to meet delivery targets.

• Balances workloads across shifts and work centers to optimize throughput.

• Ensures compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards in scheduling decisions.

• Extensive background in SAP and other ERP systems for production planning and control.

Planning Knowledge:

• Applies advanced planning techniques to align production with demand forecasts.

• Understands capacity planning and resource allocation to optimize production flow.

• Develops short- and long-term production plans to meet business objectives.

• Integrates planning with inventory and procurement strategies.

• Leverages planning knowledge to proactively manage constraints and risks.

Additional Information:

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

Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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:

$95,640.00 - $143,520.00

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:

September 8, 2025 - September 12, 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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