Automation-Driven Manufacturing Engineering Lead

Caterpillar Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead automation, manufacturing processes, and equipment optimization on-site. You will drive lean methods, robotics, AI, and NPI readiness to enable safe, high-quality, cost-effective production across assembly, fabrication, and machining.

The role emphasizes leading an engineering team, coordinating with operations and product leaders, and delivering scalable manufacturing solutions in a dynamic plant environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading lean adoption, work‑cell design, layout optimization, and performance measurement.
• Deep understanding of assembly and manufacturing processes, best practices, and standardization.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional problem solving using data‑driven approaches.

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

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing Equipment

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

PLC programming

Industrial robots

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead automation, manufacturing processes, and equipment optimization on-site. You will drive lean methods, robotics, AI, and NPI readiness to enable safe, high-quality, cost-effective production across assembly, fabrication, and machining.

The role emphasizes leading an engineering team, coordinating with operations and product leaders, and delivering scalable manufacturing solutions in a dynamic plant environment.