Machine Tech Lead – Pipelayer

Career Area

Engineering

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 Definition

India Pipelayer Machine Tech Lead shall serve as the single-point technical leader for Pipelayer platform. Incumbent shall integrate product strategy, engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, product quality, and lifecycle profitability to deliver successful customer-focused products.

Skill Descriptor & Responsibilities

Product Development & Technical Leadership

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept through validation using LPPD, NPI, and CPPD methodologies.
• Support Pipelayer product portfolio technical requirements, specifications, and engineering decisions.
• Drive program execution to achieve performance, reliability, durability, time, cost & quality targets.
• Provide technical leadership and coordinate cross-functional teams across global Caterpillar organizations.

Machine Systems Integration

• Lead integration of L4 systems at machine level, ensure APQP rigor through design reviews, virtual validation, physical testing, and data-driven decision making.

Product Health & Continuous Improvement

• Support product health and lifecycle support for current and legacy Pipelayer models, Lead Next Generation Pipelayer product development.
• Lead failure mode analysis, root cause, corrective action (RCCA) implementation and durability through continuous improvement initiatives.

Manufacturing & Product Economics

• Partner with global manufacturing teams to support new product launches, production ramp-up, and build quality improvements.
• Apply DFM&A principles to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and product quality.
• Drive achievement of LCP cost targets through value engineering and cost reduction initiatives.

Customer, Market & Product Strategy

• Represent Voice of Customer by understanding application needs, market trends, and competitive products.
• Translate customer insights into product improvements and future product requirements.
• Influence the long-term technical roadmap and product strategy for the Pipelayer platform.

Desired Core Skills -

• Product Development: Lead product development from requirements through design, validation, release, and production support.
• Machine Systems Integration Expertise: Integrate structures, hydraulics, powertrain, controls, and attachment systems into a reliable machine-level solution.
• Program Technical Leadership: Influence decisions, align cross-functional teams, and manage technical execution to meet program objectives.
• DFM&A: Apply manufacturability and assembly principles to improve build quality, cost, and production readiness.
• Product Economics: Balance technical decisions with cost, value, lifecycle profitability, and business case expectations.
• Market & Customer Needs Understanding: Translate customer applications, dealer input, and market trends into meaningful product requirements.
• Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, lead cross-functional discussions, and collaborate with global teams to drive alignment and results.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Proven ability to foster a highly collaborative, inclusive team culture and navigate complex issues.
• Strong understanding of Caterpillar’s NPI process.
• Proficiency in key engineering systems such as Team Center, HVC, PPRD, my NPI, and Vis View.
• Solid knowledge of engineering design, check, and release workflow process.
• Experience with LPPD, and working knowledge of LPPD practices, FEA, and FMEA methods.
• Machine level test validation experience.
• Pipelayer / Track-type tractor system design experience shall be advantageous.
• Demonstrated business acumen, including cost, pricing, margins, OPACC, and NPV analysis.
• Familiarity with machine level service activities, the Caterpillar dealer network, and SIS Web.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in in Mechanical or equivalent Engineering.
• Experience – 10+ Years of progressively responsible job-related experience.
• Strong Technical, Project leadership and/or manufacturing skills.
• Experience with Lean Product Development practices.
• Understanding of product test & development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and team management capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.

Additional Details

• Work location: Chennai, WTC
• This position may require travel up to 30%.

Posting Dates

• August 26, 2026 - September 8, 2026
• Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
• Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .