Supply Chain Planning Engineer

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.

Supply Chain Planning Engineer

Location: Decatur, IL (on site full time)
Travel: Up to 25%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Offered

Job Summary

The Supply Chain Planning Engineer performs end to end WDO (Work done outside) process management includes quoting, purchase order creation, forecasting, budget and tracking, quality control, shipment timelines, and system transactions. In this role you will maintain supplier, Decatur Operation's Team, and other process partner relationships and communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze supply chain performance to identify improvement opportunities and quantify return on investment (ROI)
• Design, define, and implement integrated supply chain solutions that improve cost, service, inventory, and delivery performance
• Build strong internal and external partnerships to explore and implement supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing improvements
• Research and apply industry benchmarks, metrics, and best practices to optimize supplier networks and product supply chains
• Develop and analyze data models, dashboards, and reports to prioritize performance improvement initiatives
• Support inventory optimization, logistics performance, and business partnerships through data‑driven insights
• Participate in cross‑functional projects spanning supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in supply chain analysis, logistics, manufacturing planning, or process improvement preferred

Top Candidates will also have:

• Extensive machining and machining blueprint reading experience

• Extensive Experience with Microsoft office

Core Competencies & Skills

Supplier Management – Manufacturing

• Execute routine supplier management and procurement activities
• Use electronic systems to manage supplier data and transactions
• Resolve routine supplier issues and escalate non‑routine concerns
• Support supplier selection and evaluation activities
• Partner with suppliers to meet delivery, quality, and cost requirements
• Plan and schedule production runs while ensuring material availability
• Identify process inefficiencies and performance constraints

Analytical Thinking

• Define problems, assess impact, and identify root causes
• Compare multiple solution alternatives using structured analysis
• Identify key stakeholders, forces, and risks impacting supply chain decisions
• Use logic, data, and judgment to draw conclusions and make recommendations

Decision Making & Critical Thinking

• Apply structured decision‑making techniques
• Gather, organize, and document relevant data and stakeholder inputs
• Identify and prioritize risks, benefits, and constraints
• Support evaluation of alternatives

Logistics Management

• Use forecasting and performance tools to assess WDO needs
• Maintain shipment and invoice records using established systems
• Support integration of logistics processes in a domestic operating environment

Supply Chain Management – Manufacturing

• Understand end‑to‑end supply chain and consumption streams
• Identify supply chain goals, risks, waste, and inefficiencies
• Recognize key supply chain functions and performance drivers

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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