Continuous Product Improvement Lead
Caterpillar
Career Area:
StrategyJob 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 will lead monthly product health meetings.
What You Will Do:
- Designing and developing CPI programs/projects, including supporting systems and tools, for quality and business process improvement.
- Document Product Health assessments. Support identification of emerging projects and launch of projects.
- Leading and managing assigned CPI projects to achieve measurable business process improvements.
- Providing technical training and guidance for CPI team / other leads on the planning, development and implementation of CPI Project.
- 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.
Education requirement:
- Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise.
What skills you will have:
Process Improvement:
- Demonstrate success in identifying, designing, and implementing process improvements that reduce waste and increase efficiency.
- Knowledge of lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and 5S.
- Ability to quantify improvement impacts using key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Knowledge coaching teams on continuous improvement practices.
Project Management:
- Proficient in managing multiple projects simultaneously, from initiation through closure.
- Skilled in developing project charters, timelines, and resource plans.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive accountability to meet project goals.
- Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms).
Six Sigma Methodology
- Deep understanding of Six Sigma principles and the DMAIC framework.
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with hands-on application of tools and techniques.
- Ability to mentor Green Belts and other team members on Six Sigma practices.
- Knowledge delivering measurable results through Six Sigma projects in manufacturing or supply chain environments.
Top Candidates will also have:
- 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, powerbi &/or minitab.
Additional Information:
This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the Mossville, IL or Peoria, 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:
$126,000.00 - $189,000.00Compensation 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:
October 29, 2025 - November 8, 2025Any 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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