Career Area:
Supply Chain and Logistics
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:
Execute and manage packaging solutions focused on availability, flow, and optimization of returnable containers, ensuring compliance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost, as well as defining packaging methods for new processes.
What the candidate will do:
- Monitor the flow and availability of returnable containers (SKIDS/racks) for finished goods and purchased components, ensuring continuous supply between customer, suppliers, and plant.
- Coordinate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure efficient recovery, return, and rotation of containers.
- Analyze and define optimal buffer/inventory levels of returnable containers based on demand, lead times, and operational variability.
- Identify supply risks and execute preventive actions (expedites, flow adjustments, rack redistribution).
- Define and standardize packaging methods for first-operation processes, ensuring compatibility with production and logistics processes.
- Develop and maintain packaging and returnable container specifications for suppliers and internal operations.
- Monitor returnable packaging system performance (damage, losses, cycles, logistics efficiency) and implement improvements.
- Ensure compliance with packaging approval procedures and validate changes in container design or usage.
- Evaluate materials, packaging configurations, and alternatives to optimize cost, space, and product protection.
Education Requirement:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
- Intermediate conversational English.
What skills the ideal candidate will have:
Accuracy and Attention to Detail:
- Ability to ensure accuracy in controlling returnable container inventories and buffer parameters.
- Ability to identify deviations in return cycles, as well as container losses or damage.
- Focus on establishing and maintaining controls that ensure the integrity of container flow.
- Strong inventory management skills.
Collaboration:
- Ability to effectively coordinate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure continuous container flow.
- Ability to align areas such as logistics, production, and planning.
- Track record of promoting collaborative solutions to supply or return issues.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking:
- Analytical capability to identify supply risks and define preventive or corrective actions.
- Ability to make decisions regarding inventory levels, container redistribution, and supply priorities.
- Judgment to escalate critical issues in a timely manner that could impact operations.
- Knowledge of data analysis tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram, and similar methodologies.
Effective Communication:
- Ability to clearly communicate container status, risks, and action plans.
- Skill in generating reports on inventory tracking, flow, and performance.
- Ability to effectively interact with key stakeholders (customers, suppliers, and operations).
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.
Top Candidates:
- Background in packaging engineering roles
- Advanced English
- Strong background in materials logistics
- 2–3 years in Supply Chain roles
- 1–2 years in production planning and/or materials planning areas
Additional Information:
- Location: Santa Catarina
- Schedule: Monday through Friday; remote work is not available
- Sponsorship for foreign candidates is not available
- Domestic relocation assistance is not available for this position
- Availability required
- <30% international/national travel (visa required)
- Please include an English resume in your Workday profile.
Final Details:
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. To check your application status, use the candidate login on our career website for updates.
The Caterpillar Code of Conduct states that employees are selected and placed based on qualifications, without regard to race, religion, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The company does not request pregnancy or HIV tests as requirements for hiring, continued employment, or promotion.
Posting Dates:
June 26, 2026 - July 3, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
