Manufacturing Engineering Manager

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

Job Description

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Career Area
Manufacturing
Job Description
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
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.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.