Caterpillar, Inc

Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $221K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and engineering principles.
  • Proven ability to translate production forecasts into operational capacity planning.
  • Experienced in integrating lean manufacturing principles into production workflows.
  • Skilled in leading technical teams and solving complex operational problems.
  • Educational background in engineering or equivalent experience in manufacturing settings.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team to execute advanced planning for all manufacturing operations.
  • Translate demand forecasts into actionable manufacturing and resource plans.
  • Develop and implement an automation roadmap to enhance safety and productivity.
  • Evaluate and improve manufacturing technologies and automation systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create effective manufacturing solutions.
  • Apply lean principles to optimize plant operations and material management.
  • Foster team development and address complex manufacturing challenges.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts available.
  • Employee assistance programs and lifestyle incentives.
  • Tuition reimbursement for career development.
  • Life insurance and disability benefits offered.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Manager

Location: East Peoria, Illinois
Travel: Up to 5%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

As the Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Manager, you will lead a manufacturing engineering organization responsible for developing safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing and assembly processes. You will translate product demand and capacity requirements into advanced manufacturing plans for equipment, automation, tooling, plant layouts, infrastructure, and capital investment. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing by integrating automation technology with lean processes, production priorities, and long-term business needs.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the manufacturing engineering team executing advanced planning for all manufacturing operations (Fabrication, Machining, Assembly etc..)
  • Translate demand forecasts, product programs, and production schedules into short-term and long-term plans for capacity, equipment, space, tooling, infrastructure, resources, and capital investment.
  • Develop and execute an advanced manufacturing and automation roadmap that improves safety, quality, velocity, reliability, capacity, and cost.
  • Lead the evaluation, selection, integration, installation, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment, industrial automation, robotics, machine controls, and related technologies.
  • Partner with operations, product engineering, maintenance, quality, safety, facilities, supply chain, information technology, procurement, and equipment suppliers to deliver production-ready manufacturing solutions.
  • Apply lean manufacturing principles to work-cell design, process flow, plant layouts, material movement, equipment utilization, standard work, and automation deployment.
  • Build organizational capability by setting clear priorities, coaching manufacturing engineers, developing technical standards, managing performance, and leading the resolution of complex manufacturing problems.


Required Skills
  • Manufacturing engineering: Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, equipment, tooling, layouts, work standards, and production infrastructure.
  • Advanced planning: Demonstrated ability to translate product demand and production forecasts into capacity, resource, equipment, space, cost, and implementation requirements.
  • Lean manufacturing: Experience integrating lean principles into manufacturing processes, work cells, layouts, performance measures, and continuous-improvement plans.
  • Leadership and problem-solving: Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, develop employees, make informed decisions, challenge assumptions, assess alternatives, and resolve complex operational problems.
  • Education and experience: A degree or equivalent experience is desired, with relevant experience leading manufacturing engineering work in a production environment.


Preferred Skills
  • Experience leading a manufacturing engineering team in a complex, capital-intensive, heavy-equipment, industrial-equipment, automotive, agricultural-equipment, aerospace, or similarly advanced manufacturing environment.
  • Experience developing multi-year manufacturing technology, capacity, equipment, or automation plans.
  • Experience integrating industrial automation, robotics, programmable logic controllers, machine controls, machine vision, collaborative automation, or automated material-handling systems.
  • Experience leading capital-equipment projects from business case and technical specification through installation, validation, production ramp-up, and performance review.
  • Experience working with equipment manufacturers, automation integrators, technical suppliers, or multi-vendor manufacturing environments.
  • Knowledge of plant layout, work-cell design, line balancing, process validation, production readiness, equipment reliability, machine safety, and manufacturing application systems.
  • Lean, Six Sigma, project-management, automation, controls, or other relevant technical certification.


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 28, 2026 - September 13, 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.

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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.

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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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