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Manufacturing Engineer - Assembly

Caterpillar · Pontiac, IL · $97,530–$146,290 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you improved the reliability of manufacturing equipment.

What they are checking: Whether they can monitor equipment and fix reliability problems, as the posting asks.

Tell me about a time you had to convince operations to change a process.

What they are checking: Whether they can build support for change on the floor.

What would you do

A test station starts failing more injectors than usual. How do you investigate?

What they are checking: Whether they separate process, part and test equipment causes in a methodical way.

How do you balance cost reduction with quality?

What they are checking: Whether they protect product quality while still finding savings.

About the work

This role supports fuel injector assembly at Pontiac Fuel Systems. What do you think makes injector assembly demanding?

What they are checking: Whether they grasp the precision and cleanliness needed for high-pressure fuel components.

How would you find out how an assembly process affects injector performance?

What they are checking: Whether they connect process variables to product performance using data and testing.

How do you design a new assembly process for a new product?

What they are checking: Whether they plan for safety, quality, cost and capacity from the start.

What tools do you use for root cause analysis?

What they are checking: Whether they can use structured methods like 5 Why, fishbone or design of experiments.

How do you control contamination in a precision assembly area?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that small particles can ruin fuel system components.

How do you make sure a process change meets environmental and safety rules?

What they are checking: Whether they consider compliance as part of process design, which the posting includes.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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. Role Definition: Provides technical expertise necessary to design all aspects of production, costs, quality, compliance to safety guidelines, and environmental requirements for the assembly of fuel injectors. Pontiac Fuel Systems produces the leading fuel injector and assemblies for off highway diesel and dual fuel applications worldwide. This role is key to improving current safety, quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of the assembly processes. In addition will be leading new and innovated process designs for new products and understanding how the assembly processes effect the performance of the injector. What You Will Do: • Identifying and implementing enhancements and modifications to complex manufacturing operations equipment and processes. • Monitoring sophisticated equipment and process reliability; identifying and addressing problem areas. • Providing direct supervision, coaching and development for operations technical staff and support areas. • Leading engineering support on planning, development, operation, and maintenance of equipment, processes, or facilities. • Continuous improvement of current assembly process. • Ability to facilitate and create all APQP elements including Process Flow, Control Plan and Process Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (PFMEA). Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical degree, or equivalent amount of relative experience. What Skills You Have: Decision Making and Critical Thinking : Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. • Differentiates assumptions, perspectives, and historical frameworks. • Evaluates past decisions for insights to improve decision-making process. • Assesses and validates decision options and points and predicts their potential impact. • Advises others in analyzing and synthesizing relevant data and assessing alternatives. • Uses effective decision-making approaches such as consultative, command, or consensus. • Ensures that assumptions and received wisdom are objectively analyzed in decisions. Lean Manufacturing : Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes. • Discusses considerations for work cell design and effectiveness monitoring. • Finds solution for key technical and people problems associated with transformation to lean. • Explains issues and considerations of implementing lean in own function or area. • Selects and utilizes tools, techniques and measurements associated with a lean assessment. • Explains benchmarks and measures of effectiveness of lean. Manufacturing Equipment : Knowledge of the electrical, mechanical and logistics equipment used in manufacturing; ability to safely operate, maintain, update and store them. • Performs routine maintenance: cleaning, replacing defective or worn parts. • Performs basic care and safety considerations for a specific type of manufacturing equipment. • Participates in setting up new machines and testing according to manufacturer's specifications. • Uses standard diagnostic tools and techniques; resolves common problems. • Conducts routine inspections; checks machine performance and equipment safeguards; reports standards violations. Manufacturing Processes : Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process. • Advises others using industry experience and benchmarks for methodology effectiveness. • Develops best practices documentation for all major activities and tasks. • Trains others on all major tasks and considerations for the full manufacturing process. • Participates in measuring and monitoring new processes and technologies. • Selects and optimizes specific methodologies for specific products. • Evaluates benefits, drawbacks and appropriateness of alternative processes and technologies. Manufacturing Safety : Knowledge of manufacturing safety; ability to identify work-related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site. • Consults on the use of new tools and techniques for safety protection. • Performs safety inspections to assure compliance with OSHA requirements. • Designs and implements emergency response processes and procedures. • Promotes workplace safety among supervisors and workers; communicates safety rules and regulations. • Assesses and reports unusual or new safety hazards or violations; initiates corrective action. • Ensures that all employees and contractors comply with relevant safety policies and regulations. Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies : Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance. • Consults on development and implementation of cross-functional standards. • Participates in the development of organizational policies and practices. • Develops and uses control and monitoring mechanisms for adherence. • Collaborates with other functions on establishing and documenting joint standards. • Participates in defining architectural principles and standards for organization. • Ensures communication vehicles are effectively informing affected areas and employees. Top Candidates May Also Have: • Experience in fuel systems. • Experience in assembly. Additional Information: • This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility. • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position. • VISA sponsorship is not available. • Please ensure you frequently sign in to your Candidate Home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for: https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers #LI Summary Pay Range: $97,530.00 - $146,290.00 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. Posting Dates: September 25, 2026 - October 11, 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. Not ready to apply? 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