Manufacturing Engineering & Automation Manager — NPI & Lean

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar in Decatur, IL seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Automation Manager to align automated systems with product-group objectives and lead a high-performing engineering organization on site. You will drive lean principles, support New Product Introduction readiness, and oversee assembly, fabrication, and machining processes to improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost.

The role emphasizes designing and deploying automation, mentoring teams, and delivering scalable

Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing: Extensive experience leading lean adoption, work-cell design, layout optimization, and performance measurement.
• Manufacturing Processes: Deep understanding of assembly and manufacturing processes, standardization, and cost reduction.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Proven ability to lead cross-functional problem solving using data-driven approaches.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy automation systems.
• 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 all 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

Job description

Caterpillar in Decatur, IL seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Automation Manager to align automated systems with product-group objectives and lead a high-performing engineering organization on site. You will drive lean principles, support New Product Introduction readiness, and oversee assembly, fabrication, and machining processes to improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost.

The role emphasizes designing and deploying automation, mentoring teams, and delivering scalable