Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Career Area

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Decatur, IL

Up to 10%

Available

Not Available

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. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

$ - $

• 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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

July 2, 2026 - July 12, 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.