Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Manager

Caterpillar•Mapleton, IL

20h•Onsite

About The Position

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. About Caterpillar Precision Seals and Attachments (CPSA) Mapleton Located in Mapleton, Illinois, CPSA Mapleton is part of Caterpillar’s world-class manufacturing network and operates within one of the largest foundry campuses in the United States. Since 1965, Caterpillar Precision Seals has been the industry leader in metal face seal technology, producing high-quality sealing solutions that protect critical equipment in some of the world's toughest environments. At Mapleton, teams support the full product lifecycle, including engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, validation, and technical support, delivering innovative sealing solutions to customers across the mining, construction, agriculture, forestry, defense, and industrial sectors worldwide. Lead the Future of Manufacturing Are you passionate about transforming manufacturing through innovation, technology, and operational excellence? Caterpillar's Mapleton facility is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Manager to lead the next generation of manufacturing performance and smart factory transformation. In this highly visible leadership role, you will drive the integration of engineering, maintenance, automation, reliability, and digital manufacturing technologies to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and overall operational performance. You will shape and execute the facility's Industry 4.0 strategy by leveraging automation, advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, digital tools, and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize assets, processes, and workforce effectiveness. As a key member of the plant leadership team, you will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, IT, and Supply Chain teams to lead transformation initiatives, accelerate technology adoption, and deliver sustainable business results. You will establish technical standards, champion a culture of operational excellence, and build the organizational capabilities required to support long-term growth and manufacturing excellence.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, tooling, equipment design, facility layout, process validation, and industrial engineering principles. Ability to optimize manufacturing operations through innovative engineering solutions and technology adoption.
Expertise developing maintenance and reliability strategies that maximize equipment uptime, improve asset performance, reduce failures, and support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
Demonstrated success leading Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in productivity, quality, throughput, and cost performance. Ability to build a culture focused on problem-solving and operational excellence.
Knowledge of successful performance management techniques. Strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams including manufacturing engineers, maintenance professionals, automation specialists, reliability engineers, and technical experts. Experience developing talent, building organizational capability, and establishing technical standards.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex operational challenges, identify root causes, assess risk, and implement effective solutions that improve manufacturing performance, workforce effectiveness, and customer outcomes.
Knowledge of the electrical, mechanical and logistics equipment used in manufacturing; ability to safely operate, maintain, update and store them.
Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, automation engineering or metallurgical engineering or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a high-performing engineering, maintenance, and automation organization that supports manufacturing operations, drives operational excellence, and achieves business objectives across the facility.
Provide strategic leadership for Industry 4.0 initiatives, digital transformation, automation, and continuous improvement efforts, positioning the organization for future-state manufacturing and long-term competitiveness.
Oversee manufacturing engineering functions including assembly processes, manufacturing systems, cost estimating, production planning, facility layout, standards development, tooling, gauging, and equipment validation to ensure efficient and reliable operations.
Drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing methods, equipment, technologies, and operating systems that enhance safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance.
Champion modernization initiatives by identifying and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, data-driven decision making, and digital tools that improve operational performance and business outcomes.
Ensure manufacturing facilities, equipment, and processes are properly designed, maintained, and aligned with authorized product programs, production schedules, and capacity requirements.
Lead reliability and uptime strategies to maximize equipment availability, minimize downtime, and support efficient, uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
Serve as a key business transformation leader, partnering across operations, engineering, supply chain, and leadership teams to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainable operational excellence.