Engineering Project Team Leader (Telehandler)

Clayton, North Carolina; Sanford, North Carolina
Full-time
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Posted Nov 13, 2026

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Skills

Logistics
Procurement
Project Management
Robotics

Job description

Career Area:

Engineering

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.

Caterpillar launched their next generation of Telehandlers into the North American market in 2025. Building on this successful launch, Caterpillar is developing a new advanced manufacturing campus in Sanford, North Carolina, to expand production capacity. The modern, technology-enabled operation is expected to incorporate automation, robotics, digital production systems and integrated logistics capabilities to enhance safety, quality and operational performance. We are seeking a Technical Lead Engineer to support the launch of the new campus, in addition to leading the continued evolution of the Telehandler product line to solve our customers toughest challenges.

Job Summary

In this role, you will be accountable for providing technical and engineering leadership for multiple Telehandler programs, including product updates and the expansion of the manufacturing footprint of the TH product to a secondary facility in Sanford, NC. Through coordination with the TH engineering and systems teams, you will be responsible for the on-time delivery of the project engineering activity to meet product quality objectives while achieving product and process cost targets.

What You Will Do

•Lead and govern engineering content of New Product Introduction (NPI), New Source Introduction (NSI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and Cost Reduction/Localization/Assurance of Supply Projects, owning the delivery of the engineering content to meet time, cost, and quality targets.

•Negotiate and manage technical requirements to align with customer needs and business objectives, and communicate with stakeholders, team members, and platform groups.

•Develop project scope to address business challenges and opportunities.

•Foster collaboration between product teams, value chain, suppliers, and engineering organizations. You will also assist in performance analysis, cost/localization evaluation, and collaborate with global suppliers, project groups, internal engineering experts, and the global strategic sourcing teams for New Product Introduction (NPI), New Source Introduction (NSI), and New Market Introduction (NMI) programs.

•Champion process improvements within the team to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase velocity through Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) and New Technology Introduction (NTI) programs for current products.

•Communicate results to global customers, suppliers, team members, and other business units.

•Provide coaching and technical guidance to a global team of engineers.

What Will You Have

Project Management: Expertise in project management strategies and tactics, with the ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects to ensure efficient use of resources and achieve objectives.

Influencing Through Expertise: Proficiency in influencing tactics and strategies to deepen expertise and impact decisions within and outside the organization.

Products and Services: In-depth knowledge of major products and services, and the ability to apply this knowledge to diverse situations. Oversee development activities for multiple products or product lines.

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Product Design and Development: Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

•Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.

•Experience in machine design.

•Strong technical communication skills.

•Proven experience in managing complex, fast-paced technical projects and leading cross-functional system design teams.

•Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize effectively.

•Self-motivation and initiative, consistently setting and pursuing ambitious goals independently.

•Experience in supplier development and quality improvement.

•Knowledge of factors influencing cost and quality, including design, manufacturing techniques, sourcing, and assembly processes.

•Experience working with suppliers, customers, and dealers.

What You Will Get

•Opportunity to join the dynamic, dedicated, customer focused, Caterpillar Telehandler engineering team.

•Rare opportunity to help launch and support one of Caterpillar's newest manufacturing operations.

•High visibility role supporting facility startup, operational readiness, and long-term growth.

•Diverse exposure across engineering new source introductions with cross functional involvement with procurement, supplier management, inventory, logistics, planning, and manufacturing operations.

•Strong career progression opportunities within engineering and program management

Additional Info:

•Location: This role will be based in Clayton, NC at the Clayton Machine Development Center (CMDC) with the expectation to be in Sanford at least two days per week through new product launch. After the new facility start up, the role will be based at the CMDC five days per week.

•Work Arrangement: Onsite, five days per week.

•Travel: High percentage of travel (50-75%) may be required during construction planning, supplier reviews, equipment installation, commissioning, startup and production ramp-up. Up to 5% domestic and international travel is expected.

•Schedule: This will be a demanding and rewarding role. Selected candidate should have schedule flexibility to meet project requirements.

•Relocation: US domestic relocation is available

•Visa Sponsorship: Not available

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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:

November 13, 2026 - November 29, 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.

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