Caterpillar, Inc

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of management experience in manufacturing engineering or related field.
  • Proven track record in leading lean manufacturing initiatives.
  • In-depth knowledge of assembly and manufacturing processes.
  • Expertise in manufacturing equipment selection and integration.
  • Strong analytical skills for problem solving and decision making.

Responsibilities

  • Design and deploy advanced automation systems, including robotics and sensor-based solutions.
  • Ensure manufacturing readiness for New Product Introductions by managing process capability and tooling availability.
  • Lead and mentor manufacturing engineering teams for plant operations optimization.
  • Direct manufacturing engineering functions such as cost estimating and systems planning.
  • Implement and improve operating methods and infrastructure in manufacturing.
  • Foster lean principles organization-wide to enhance efficiency.
  • Oversee capacity planning based on demand signals for production needs.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Generous paid time off policies including vacations and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plan with company contributions.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Career development opportunities to support professional growth.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Location: Decatur, IL
Travel: Up to 10%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

As the Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Decatur, IL, you will work closely with operations and product leaders to align automated manufacturing systems, manufacturing processes, and product engineering around shared product-group objectives. You will lead manufacturing engineering capability across assembly, Fabrication and machining processing while building a strong, high-performing engineering organization.

This is an on-site leadership role focused on improving manufacturing methods, equipment, systems, and operating infrastructure to deliver safety, quality, velocity, and cost results. The role plays a critical part in New Product Introduction (NPI) readiness and execution, ensuring smooth product launches and manufacturing scalability.

You will drive innovation through robotics, AI, machine learning, and 3D vision systems, deploying advanced automation across welding, painting, assembly, and material handling operations

Degree Requirement: Degree or equivalent experience desired.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and deploy automation systems including robots, AGVs, AMRs, and sensor-based solutions.
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring manufacturing readiness, process capability, tooling availability, and launch execution
  • Lead hiring, performance management, coaching, and development of manufacturing engineering teams supporting plant operations
  • Direct manufacturing engineering scope across assembly and manufacturing processing, cost estimating, systems planning, plant layout, standards, gaging/checking equipment, tooling, and work standards
  • Manage the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating methods, equipment, systems, and manufacturing infrastructure
  • Drive adoption and sustainment of lean manufacturing principles across the organization
  • Lead capacity planning activities by translating demand signals into short-term production and resource requirements
  • Champion structured problem solving for complex manufacturing, process, and equipment issues


Required Skills
  • Lean Manufacturing: Extensive experience leading lean adoption, work-cell design, layout optimization, and performance measurement
  • Manufacturing Processes: Deep understanding of assembly and manufacturing processes, best practices, and standardization
  • Manufacturing Equipment: Expertise in equipment selection, qualification, integration, and infrastructure changes
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making: Proven ability to lead cross-functional problem solving using data-driven approaches


Preferred Skills
  • Experience programing PLCs and integrating industrial robots into manufacturing workflows
  • Experience leading manufacturing readiness for New Product Introduction (NPI) and product launches
  • Background in automated or advanced manufacturing systems
  • Strong knowledge of plant layout, tooling strategy, work standards, and manufacturing documentation/releasing
  • Experience with manufacturing capacity planning and demand-to-capacity translation


Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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 13, 2026 - August 26, 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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