Caterpillar, Inc

1st Shift Production Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Waco, TX 76706In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of relevant experience, or 5+ years of job-related experience in lieu of a degree
  • 3-4 years of strategic planning experience
  • 3-4 years of shop floor experience with mechanical aptitude
  • Strong human relations skills to foster cooperative work relationships
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Willingness to work overtime and alternate shifts
  • Ability to lift items up to 35 pounds
  • Willingness to relocate to Waco, TX area

Responsibilities

  • Monitor and enhance safety measures on the shop floor
  • Determine processing needs for fixtures and tooling to meet production schedules
  • Collaborate with production management to plan and prioritize facility workload
  • Evaluate overtime needs and manage resource allocation
  • Propose changes to improve efficiency and reduce costs
  • Ensure product quality aligns with Caterpillar's quality standards
  • Order and distribute necessary materials timely and efficiently
  • Implement corporate initiatives like Lean Manufacturing and 6 Sigma
  • Train and develop staff while managing work assignments and timelines
  • Supervise hourly employees and ensure compliance with standards

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Health Lifestyle Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Caterpillar has an opening for a 1st Shift Production Manager who will collaborate with the team and maintaining and improving processes and systems and the manufacturing of the products produced in the facility.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:  

  • Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations and ensure a safe and clean product environment.
  • Determines processing needs to assure fixtures, tooling and methods are provided to meet schedules and production requirements.
  • Daily tie-in with production management to plan and designate facility workload, priorities and sequence for all work assigned.
  • Determines overtime need, determines priorities when resources are insufficient, and decides when disciplinary action is necessary.
  • Suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency.  Works to improve processes, timeliness and reduce costs by eliminating non-value-added activities.
  • Ensures the quality of product produced and conforms to Caterpillars Quality Policy while maintaining cost.
  • Ensure necessary parts and materials are ordered and distributed in a timely and efficient manner
  • Implement various corporate initiatives such as 5S, Lean Manufacturing, 6 Sigma, CQMS/ISO certification, etc.
  • Responsible for training and development of staff, time keeping, estimating personnel needs, assigning work, meeting completion dates, and ensuring consistent application of organizational needs.
  • The Section Manager will supervise hourly employees.
  • Adheres to established standards, policies and practices relating to quality, cost reduction, safety, ergonomics, affirmative action, etc. in performing assigned duties.
  • Employee is also responsible for performing other job duties as assigned by Caterpillar management from time to time.

A successful candidate in this role will showcase their skills in:

  • Performance Management: Knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance.
  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
  • Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

Top candidates will also have:

  • A Bachelors degree and 1-3 years of experience is required for this position. 
  • OR In lieu of a degree you may have 5+ years of job-related experience. 
  • Must have 3 - 4 years prior experience in strategic planning. 
  • Requires at least 3 - 4 years of shop floor experience and have a mechanical aptitude. 
  • Good human relations skills are required to develop a cooperative work relationship with others inside and outside the department.
  • Must be proficient with all Microsoft office products. 
  • Must be willing to work outside of normal work hours including overtime and alternate shifts. 
  • May be required to move items weighing up to 35 pounds.
  • Must be willing to relocate to the Waco, TX area.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position


 

Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

September 4, 2026 - September 17, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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