Caterpillar, Inc

Manager Product Support

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
  • Experience with heavy equipment or industrial machinery
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
  • Leadership experience with cross-functional teams
  • Familiarity with warranty analytics and quality systems
  • Experience using data visualization and analytics tools

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Off-Highway Truck Product Support team towards quality and customer satisfaction
  • Drive product quality improvements and defect reduction
  • Conduct technical problem-solving and root cause investigations
  • Implement initiatives to enhance DPU performance
  • Represent Product Support in new product and quality reviews
  • Collaborate with various teams to improve manufacturing execution
  • Partner with regional teams and customers to enhance product performance

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including holidays and volunteer days
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus programs
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life insurance and disability benefits
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Product Support

Job Description:

As the Manager of Product Support for Off-Highway Trucks (OHT), you will lead a high-performing team based in Decatur, Illinois, focused on delivering world-class product quality, reliability, and customer support across Caterpillar's Off-Highway Truck portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Product Support, this role provides technical leadership throughout the product lifecycle, driving quality improvement, defect reduction, and continuous product improvement (CPI) initiatives that ensure customers receive defect-free machines that maximize reliability, availability, and uptime.

In this highly visible leadership position, you will collaborate closely with manufacturing, engineering, New Product Introduction (NPI), New Source Introduction (NSI), and Advanced Product Quality/Production (APU) teams, while partnering with regional product support organizations, Caterpillar dealers, and customers across North America and Europe. You will lead complex technical problem-solving and root cause investigations, champion corrective and preventive actions, and drive initiatives that improve build quality, manufacturing execution, and product performance. The impact of this role extends from the factory floor to customer operations, reducing defects before machines reach customers, accelerating product improvements, lowering warranty and repair costs, and strengthening Caterpillar's commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Additional Information:

  • Primary location: Decatur, Illinois

  • Travel: 25-50% (week at a time to customer and testing facilities)

  • Relocation assistance: Yes

  • Visa sponsorship: No

  • Applications accepted: through September 15, 2026

What You'll Do

  • Lead the Decatur Off-Highway Truck Product Support team in delivering technical leadership and product support throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring world-class quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

  • Drive product quality and reliability initiatives for Decatur-built machines through data-driven defect reduction strategies and continuous product improvement (CPI) programs.

  • Lead complex technical problem-solving efforts, root cause investigations, and cross-functional corrective action implementation to resolve product and manufacturing issues.

  • Develop and execute initiatives that improve DPU (Defects Per Unit) performance at 0, 2, and 12 MIS checkpoints, supporting Caterpillar's goal of delivering defect-free machines to customers.

  • Represent Product Support in New Product Introduction (NPI), New Source Introduction (NSI), and Advanced Product Quality/Production (APU) reviews, ensuring quality requirements, action items, and product improvements are effectively executed.

  • Partner with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and value chain teams to identify opportunities to enhance build quality, improve manufacturing execution, and drive operational excellence.

  • Collaborate with regional product support teams, Caterpillar dealers, and customers across North America and Europe to diagnose field issues, improve machine performance, and enhance customer outcomes.

  • Accelerate the implementation of product improvements and preventive actions that increase machine availability, reliability, and uptime while reducing warranty and repair costs.

  • Establish performance standards, quality metrics, and accountability processes that support continuous improvement and a culture focused on delivering a defect-free customer experience.

  • Coach and develop a team of technical professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, customer focus, and continuous learning across the organization.

What Makes This Role Exciting

  • This role offers a unique opportunity to influence both factory quality and customer success on a global scale. You will lead initiatives that improve product quality, reliability, and uptime while partnering with teams across engineering, manufacturing, dealers, and customers to solve complex technical challenges. Your work will directly impact machine performance, accelerate product improvements, reduce customer downtime, and help shape Caterpillar's commitment to delivering a defect-free customer experience from the factory floor to the mine site.

What Skills You Will Have:

Customer Focus: Builds strong customer relationships by understanding customer needs, aligning solutions to expectations, and continuously improving satisfaction through feedback and engagement.

Service Excellence: Delivers responsive, high-quality service by addressing customer needs, resolving issues efficiently, and exceeding expectations.

Consulting: Provides professional business or technical guidance by defining client objectives, managing project scope, and delivering value-driven solutions.

Problem Solving: Identifies, analyzes, and resolves complex challenges by evaluating information, considering stakeholder perspectives, and recommending effective solutions.

Relationship Management: Establishes and maintains productive, long-term partnerships with clients, vendors, and colleagues to achieve shared business objectives.

Technical Excellence: Applies deep technical expertise to solve complex challenges, develop effective solutions, and mentor others to enhance organizational capability.

Top Candidates will also have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline.

  • Experience supporting heavy equipment, industrial machinery, engines, power systems, mining equipment, construction equipment, or related products.

  • Experience with warranty analytics, quality systems, and field service operations.

  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

  • Experience leading cross-functional technical teams.

  • Knowledge of aftermarket support operations and dealer networks.

  • Project management experience.

  • Experience using data visualization and analytics tools.

#LI


 

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:

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Caterpillar, Inc

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Manager Product Support jobs: