Engineering Project Team Leader

Career Area:

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.

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufactures large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide.

LPSD teams work across regions and function to deliver safe, reliable and compliant solutions that help solve our customers’ toughest challenges.

About LEC (Lafayette Engine Center)

The Lafayette Engine Center (LEC) manufactures the Cat 3500, Cat 3600 and C175 engines helping Caterpillar become the world’s leading manufacturer of off-highway diesel and natural gas engines.

The units built at LEC power mining trucks carrying ore to be processed, tugboats guiding ships to harbor, drill rigs tapping oil and gas reserves and generators bringing electricity to communities, hospitals and data centers

Job Summary

The Engineering Project Team Leader will lead multiple and complex engineering projects across functions, organizations, products, and value chains, with a primary focus on supporting key New Product Introduction (NPI) programs. This role partners closely with Sales & Marketing, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Value Chain teams to define project scope, coordinate resources, manage schedules and costs, and ensure successful execution of business objectives. The Team Leader provides technical and project leadership, driving cross-functional collaboration, resolving program challenges, and developing high-performing project teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer and business needs.

Additional Information

• This position is located in Lafayette, IN.  

• Domestic travel up to 10% is required. 

• Domestic relocation assistance is offered for this position. 

• Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. 

• We’re back! All roles at Caterpillar Inc. report on-site 5 days per week. 

What You Will Do

• Develop project scope to address business challenges and opportunities.
• Coordinating resources across the businesses with sales and marketing, product development groups, value chain and manufacturing.
• Overseeing project progress and costs; communicating status with stakeholders and participating functional areas; addressing and resolving problems.
• Directing project staffing; motivating and developing project team and team members.

• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of New Technology Introduction (NTI) and New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and future platform development initiatives.

• Manage multiple complex engineering projects involving cross-functional teams, organizations, suppliers, and global stakeholders.

• Drive program execution by managing timelines, budgets, risks, deliverables, and key performance metrics.

• Provide leadership and direction throughout the product development lifecycle, from requirements definition through validation and market launch.

• Collaborate with product strategy, engineering, manufacturing, quality, validation, purchasing, and supply chain teams to ensure successful program outcomes.

• Facilitate resolution of technical, operational, and program-related challenges through structured problem-solving and decision-making.

• Communicate project status, milestones, risks, and mitigation plans to leadership and key stakeholders including design review and gateways.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and technical excellence across the project team.

What You Will Have

Degree Requirement

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or engineering related field

Experience in leading teams and projects

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

• Advises others on th