Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Manager

Caterpillar Inc.•Mapleton, IL

4d•$147,760 - $221,640•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar Precision Seals and Attachments (CPSA) Mapleton, located in Mapleton, Illinois, is a key part of Caterpillar’s manufacturing network. It is a leader in metal face seal technology, producing seals for demanding environments across various industries. The facility supports the full product lifecycle, including engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, validation, and technical support. The company is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Manager to lead the transformation of manufacturing through innovation, technology, and operational excellence. This role will drive the integration of engineering, maintenance, automation, reliability, and digital manufacturing to enhance safety, quality, productivity, cost, and operational performance. The manager will shape and execute the facility's Industry 4.0 strategy, leveraging automation, advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, digital tools, and continuous improvement. This leadership position involves partnering with various departments to lead transformation initiatives, accelerate technology adoption, and achieve sustainable business results. The role also includes establishing technical standards, fostering a culture of operational excellence, and building organizational capabilities for long-term growth.

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.