Senior Manufacturing Engineer (CMM SME/Trainer)

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.

About the Role:

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer (CMM Trainer) is a technical leader and hands on practitioner responsible for developing, standardizing, and sustaining advanced metrology capabilities within the Advanced Combustion Systems Department. This role combines deep CMM technical expertise, GD&T proficiency, and technical training to ensure accurate measurement, consistent inspection practices, and strong linkage between design intent and manufacturing execution.

The position supports ACS hardware (Injectors, airfoils, combustors) characterized by tight tolerances, complex geometry, and critical performance requirements. 

CMM SME enables capability growth across personnel, processes, and measurement systems.

Key Responsibilities:

1. CMM Programming & Technical Leadership

• Develop, validate, and optimize CMM inspection programs for ACS components.

• Support a variety of CMM platforms and software (e.g., PC-DMIS, Calypso, Modus, or equivalent).

• Establish and maintain best practices for part alignment, probing strategy, filtration, and data output.

• Troubleshoot measurement issues related to fixturing, thermal effects, probing error, and form evaluation.

• Support advanced measurement techniques such as surface profile, freeform geometry, datum schemes, and functional gaging.

2. Training, Coaching & Workforce Development

• Act as the primary CMM subject-matter expert (SME) and instructor/advisor for ACS personnel.

• Develop and deliver structured training programs covering:

  • CMM fundamentals and advanced programming

  • GD&T interpretation and application

  • Inspection planning aligned to design intent and manufacturing processes

• Coach operators, technicians, and engineers through hands-on mentoring, job shadowing, and capability assessments.

• Build standard training materials (work instructions, job aids, videos, etc.).

• Certify and re-certify personnel for defined CMM competency levels.

3. GD&T & Design Interpretation

• Serve as a bridge between Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality.

• Interpret and clarify complex GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

• Provide feedback to Engineering on inspection feasibility, datum strategy, tolerance robustness, and design-for-measurement.

• Support root cause analysis related to geometric nonconformance and measurement variation.

4. Inspection Strategy & Standardization

• Define inspection methodologies and measurement system standards for ACS hardware.

• Ensure compliance with internal quality systems, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.

• Standardize:

  • Program structure and naming conventions

  • Report formats and SPC outputs

  • Measurement acceptance criteria per print

5. Process Improvement & Quality Support

• Drive improvements in measurement repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R).

• Support PPAPs, production readiness reviews

• Collaborate on lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives related to inspection efficiency and variation reduction

• Support containment actions and corrective actions tied to inspection escapes or measurement error

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metrology, or related technical field (or equivalent experience), or in lieu of.

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in:

  • CMM programming and operation

  • Precision inspection in an aerospace, energy, or advanced manufacturing environment

• Strong working knowledge of:

  • GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

  • Datum structures and functional tolerancing

  • Measurement uncertainty and capability analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with combustion system components or similar complex, high-temperature hardware.

• Prior experience as:

• CMM Inspector/Trainer, Lead Inspector, Metrology Engineer, or Manufacturing Engineer

• Formal training or certification in PC-DMIS, Modus, Calypso, or equivalent software.

• Experience supporting NPI / development hardware in addition to production.

• Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) or equivalent continuous improvement training.

Technical Competencies

• Advanced CMM programming and optimization

• GD&T application and coaching

• Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

• SPC and data interpretation

• Fixturing concepts for precise inspection

• CAD model interpretation (PTC Creo, SolidWorks, etc.)

Behavioral & Leadership Competencies

• Teacher/Coach Mindset: Patient, clear, and capable of adapting instruction to different skill levels.

• Technical Ownership: Takes accountability for metrology capability and standards.

• Cross-Functional Communicator: Works effectively with Engineering, Quality, and Operations.

• Analytical Problem-Solver: Uses data to diagnose and resolve measurement challenges.

• Continuous Improvement Orientation: Proactively elevates capability rather than only responding to issues.

Interfaces & Key Stakeholders

• Combustion/Mechanical Design Engineering

• Manufacturing/Supplier Technical Engineering

• Quality Engineering & Inspection

• Shop Floor Operators & Technicians

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• CMM competency certification rate and skill progression

• Reduction in inspection-related rework and escapes

• GR&R and measurement capability improvements

• Time to deploy new CMM programs for development and production

• Training effectiveness and operator self-sufficiency

Working Conditions

• Combination of shop floor and office environment.

• Frequent interaction with production equipment and metrology labs.

• May require occasional support during off-shift operations for critical issues.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

 

 

Summary Pay Range:

$112,704.00 - $169,056.00

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.

 

 

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

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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