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.

As a Senior Engineering Project Team Leader, you will serve as a recognized technical leader and subject matter expert within Caterpillar's Energy Management organization. In this role, you will apply your expertise in energy management, power generation, electrical systems, automation, and energy supply strategy to drive innovation, reliability, sustainability, and cost optimization across Caterpillar's global operations.

You will provide technical leadership for Caterpillar's energy infrastructure, including oversight of a continuous-duty combined heat and power (CHP) facility in Mossville, Illinois, and standby and peak-shaving power generation assets located in Monterrey and Torreón, Mexico. Working closely with Procurement, Manufacturing, Environmental Health & Safety, Sustainable Development, Governmental Affairs, and Electric Power Division teams, you will help shape enterprise energy strategies while supporting critical operational assets.

The successful candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong project leadership, business acumen, and stakeholder management skills. Success in this role requires the ability to influence without direct authority, lead cross-functional initiatives, and identify innovative solutions that create measurable business value.

What You Will Do

Energy Management & Technical Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert in energy supply markets, energy demand management, and energy asset management.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, processes, and industry trends to improve the quality, reliability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of Caterpillar's energy portfolio.
• Identify and promote energy reduction opportunities across manufacturing and operational facilities.
• Provide technical consulting and leadership across multiple Caterpillar organizations.
• Stay current on regulatory developments, market conditions, and technological advancements that impact enterprise energy strategies.

Energy Infrastructure & Power Generation Leadership

• Provide technical oversight for Caterpillar's combined heat and power facility in Mossville, Illinois, and power generation assets in Monterrey and Torreón, Mexico.
• Lead utility interconnection activities, telemetry implementation, protective relay modifications, and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Develop capital project scopes, support engineering bid reviews, oversee commissioning activities, and change management processes.
• Build and maintain relationships with utility providers, grid operators, regulators, and other key external stakeholders.
• Support facility expansions, modernization efforts, and long-term energy infrastructure planning.

Automation, Controls & Diagnostics

• Lead troubleshooting and diagnostic activities across power generation and energy management systems.
• Analyze equipment performance, operational trends, and reliability data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support programming, configuration, and troubleshooting of generator controllers, automation systems, and plant control architecture.
• Maintain and enhance SCADA, telemetry, and remote monitoring capabilities.
• Drive improvements that optimize system reliability, availability, and operational performance.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Support strategic sourcing recommendations and long-term energy procurement strategies.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and emerging technologies to improve service quality, reliability, and cost performance.
• Support supplier development, supplier performance management, and supply network optimization initiatives.
• Educate suppliers on Caterpillar processes, quality expectations, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and service providers.

Asset Management & Operational Readiness

• Establish and maintain fleet readiness programs and preventive maintenance practices for distributed power generation assets.
• Manage third-party contractors, service providers, and Caterpillar dealer support activities.
• Coordinate parts planning, service logistics, and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with operational agreements, governance requirements, and service obligations.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts across safety, reliability, efficiency, and asset performance.

Project Leadership & Enterprise Collaboration

• Develop project scopes to address business challenges and strategic opportunities.
• Coordinate resources across Manufacturing, Product Development, Supply Chain, Procurement, and other functional areas.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communications.
• Lead complex cross-functional initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship while helping cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What You Have

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Computer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of relevant technical experience.
• Strong knowledge of energy management, power generation, electrical systems, energy supply markets, or related disciplines.
• Experience leading complex technical projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence decisions and drive alignment across multiple organizations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

Energy & Power Generation Expertise

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Sustainability, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting combined heat and power (CHP), distributed generation, utility, microgrid, or industrial power generation systems.
• Strong understanding of utility interconnections, protective relays, electrical power systems, and industrial energy infrastructure.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or industrial energy operations.

Controls & Automation

• Experience with SCADA, telemetry, remote monitoring systems, and industrial automation platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting power generation controls, generator controllers, and plant automation systems.
• Understanding of advanced diagnostics and performance monitoring tools.

Business & Leadership Skills

• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level initiatives and influencing organizational change.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working across cultures and global organizations.
• Ability to develop strategic relationships both internally and externally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Caterpillar gas engine products, Solar Turbines technology, or similar power generation equipment.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Experience supporting facilities in both the United States and Mexico.
• Experience working directly with utility providers, energy regulators, or independent system operators.
• Knowledge of Caterpillar manufacturing processes and energy consumption strategies.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will be recognized as a trusted technical leader who helps shape Caterpillar's energy strategy through innovation, technical expertise, and strong enterprise partnerships.

They will identify opportunities to reduce energy costs, improve system reliability, optimize supplier performance, advance sustainability objectives, and strengthen Caterpillar's energy infrastructure while successfully leading complex projects across multiple business functions.

Additional Information

• Location: Peoria, IL or Irving, TX
• Work Arrangement: Onsite, 5 days per week
• Travel: Up to 25% domestic and international travel
• Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates

Summary Pay Range:

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:

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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