Caterpillar, Inc

Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $221K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, automation, or metallurgical engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, and industrial engineering principles.
  • Expertise in developing maintenance and reliability strategies.
  • Proven success in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives for operational excellence.
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and develop talent effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a high-performing engineering and automation organization.
  • Provide strategic leadership for Industry 4.0 initiatives and digital transformation.
  • Oversee manufacturing engineering functions for efficient operations.
  • Drive continuous improvement of manufacturing methods and technologies.
  • Champion modernization initiatives by implementing advanced technology solutions.
  • Ensure proper design and maintenance of manufacturing facilities and processes.
  • Lead reliability and uptime strategies to maximize equipment availability.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus
  • Life insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental leave
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Located in Mapleton, Illinois, CPSA Mapleton is part of Caterpillar's world-class manufacturing network and operates within one of the largest foundry campuses in the United States. Since 1965, Caterpillar Precision Seals has been the industry leader in metal face seal technology, producing high-quality sealing solutions that protect critical equipment in some of the world's toughest environments. At Mapleton, teams support the full product lifecycle, including engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, validation, and technical support, delivering innovative sealing solutions to customers across the mining, construction, agriculture, forestry, defense, and industrial sectors worldwide.

Lead the Future of Manufacturing

Are you passionate about transforming manufacturing through innovation, technology, and operational excellence? Caterpillar's Mapleton facility is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Manager to lead the next generation of manufacturing performance and smart factory transformation.

In this highly visible leadership role, you will drive the integration of engineering, maintenance, automation, reliability, and digital manufacturing technologies to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and overall operational performance. You will shape and execute the facility's Industry 4.0 strategy by leveraging automation, advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, digital tools, and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize assets, processes, and workforce effectiveness.

As a key member of the plant leadership team, you will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, IT, and Supply Chain teams to lead transformation initiatives, accelerate technology adoption, and deliver sustainable business results. You will establish technical standards, champion a culture of operational excellence, and build the organizational capabilities required to support long-term growth and manufacturing excellence.

What you will do:
  • Lead and develop a high-performing engineering, maintenance, and automation organization that supports manufacturing operations, drives operational excellence, and achieves business objectives across the facility.
  • Provide strategic leadership for Industry 4.0 initiatives, digital transformation, automation, and continuous improvement efforts, positioning the organization for future-state manufacturing and long-term competitiveness.
  • Oversee manufacturing engineering functions including assembly processes, manufacturing systems, cost estimating, production planning, facility layout, standards development, tooling, gauging, and equipment validation to ensure efficient and reliable operations.
  • Drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing methods, equipment, technologies, and operating systems that enhance safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance.
  • Champion modernization initiatives by identifying and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, data-driven decision making, and digital tools that improve operational performance and business outcomes.
  • Ensure manufacturing facilities, equipment, and processes are properly designed, maintained, and aligned with authorized product programs, production schedules, and capacity requirements.
  • Lead reliability and uptime strategies to maximize equipment availability, minimize downtime, and support efficient, uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
  • Serve as a key business transformation leader, partnering across operations, engineering, supply chain, and leadership teams to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainable operational excellence.


What skills you will have:

We're looking for someone who understands manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies and can lead teams through meaningful change.

Manufacturing Processes: Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, tooling, equipment design, facility layout, process validation, and industrial engineering principles. Ability to optimize manufacturing operations through innovative engineering solutions and technology adoption.

Capacity Planning & Management - MFG: Expertise developing maintenance and reliability strategies that maximize equipment uptime, improve asset performance, reduce failures, and support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.

Lean Manufacturing: Demonstrated success leading Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in productivity, quality, throughput, and cost performance. Ability to build a culture focused on problem-solving and operational excellence.

Performance Management: Knowledge of successful performance management techniques. Strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams including manufacturing engineers, maintenance professionals, automation specialists, reliability engineers, and technical experts. Experience developing talent, building organizational capability, and establishing technical standards.

Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex operational challenges, identify root causes, assess risk, and implement effective solutions that improve manufacturing performance, workforce effectiveness, and customer outcomes.

Manufacturing Equipment: Knowledge of the electrical, mechanical and logistics equipment used in manufacturing; ability to safely operate, maintain, update and store them.
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.

Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automation engineering or metallurgical engineering or equivalent experience.

Additional Information:

The location for this position is Mapleton, IL.

Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position will require 15% travel.

Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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

Posting Dates:
August 4, 2026 - August 23, 2026

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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.

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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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