Manufacturing Engineering Manager - Assembly

Manufacturing Engineering Manager – Assembly
Primary

Location:

Decatur, IL
Travel:
Up to 5%

• Lead the manufacturing engineering organization by hiring, developing, coaching, and retaining a high‑performing team that supports manufacturing operations.
• Own assembly and testing process engineering across assembly lines/cells: work standards, tooling/fixtures, gaging and checking equipment, and release readiness to enable repeatable, capable production.
• Drive safety, high‑energy process simplification across all assembly lines.
• Drive manufacturing processing leadership including cost estimating, systems planning, plant layout, standards, and continuous improvement of methods and infrastructure.
• Control plant layouts, machine moves, and new equipment installations to ensure efficient, safe, and economical manufacture/assembly.
• Ensure facilities, methods, and capacity alignment so products are manufactured in line with authorized product programs and capacity schedules.
• Champion lean manufacturing adoption across the organization, including work‑cell design and performance measurement to improve flow and reduce waste.
• Lead structured problem solving for complex assembly/manufacturing issues capturing lessons learned and standardizing sustainable countermeasures.

• Manufacturing/Assembly Process Leadership:
  Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and the requirements for cost‑effective manufacturing or assembly, including standards, releasing, and work methods.
• Lean Manufacturing:
  Extensive experience leading lean adoption, including work‑cell design, layout optimization, and key performance measurements.
• Manufacturing Equipment & Integration:
  Extensive knowledge evaluating/selecting equipment, coordinating multi‑vendor environments, and implementing infrastructure changes safely and effectively.
• Capacity Planning & Management (Manufacturing):
  Extensive knowledge translating demand forecasts into production and capacity requirements and advising across planning cycles.
• Decision Making & Problem Solving:
  Extensive knowledge using data‑driven decision approaches and leading problem‑resolution efforts that create standard, repeatable solutions.
• People Leadership / Performance Management:
  Extensive knowledge setting objectives, providing ongoing feedback, recognizing performance, and addressing gaps early.

• Experience supporting or leading automation/advanced manufacturing deployments (e.g., robots, sensor‑based solutions) in assembly environments.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction activities and manufacturing readiness for product launches (process capability, tooling availability, launch execution).
• Experience programming or integrating controls/automation solutions (e.g., PLC programming, industrial robot integration) in manufacturing workflows.
• Strong background in plant layout, tooling strategy, work standards, and manufacturing documentation practices to support repeatable assembly outcomes.

Degree or equivalent experience desired.

$ – $

• 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*

Benefits are subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This summary excludes certain benefits that may apply to part‑time employees.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.