Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Manager

Employer description

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 and Automation Manager

 

Location: Decatur, IL
Travel: Up to 10%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

 

Job Summary

 

As the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Automation 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 deploying advanced automation across welding, painting, assembly, and material handling operations

 

Degree Requirement: Degree or equivalent experience desired.

 

Key Responsibilities

Design and deploy automation systemsSupport New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring manufacturing readiness, process capability, tooling availability, and launch executionLead hiring, performance management, coaching, and development of manufacturing engineering teams supporting plant operationsDirect manufacturing engineering scope across all assembly and manufacturing processing, cost estimating, systems planning, plant layout, standards, gaging/checking equipment, tooling, and work standardsManage the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating methods, equipment, systems, and manufacturing infrastructureDrive adoption and sustainment of lean manufacturing principles across the organizationLead capacity planning activities by translating demand signals into short‑term production and resource requirementsChampion 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 measurementManufacturing Processes: Deep understanding of assembly and manufacturing processes, best practices, and standardizationManufacturing Equipment: Expertise in equipment selection, qualification, integration, and infrastructure changesProblem Solving & Decision Making: Proven ability to lead cross‑functional problem solving using data‑driven approaches  

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:

November 6, 2026 - November 29, 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.

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