Production Manager - CNC Machining

Caterpillar•South Milwaukee, WI

3d•$87,480 - $131,280•Onsite

About The Position

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. CNC Machining Production Manager - 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm) This leadership role is based at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee facility, a key manufacturing site specializing in the production of large, heavy-duty earthmoving equipment used in mining and construction worldwide. The facility integrates advanced manufacturing processes, precision assembly, and high-performance coatings to deliver machines that meet global standards for durability and reliability. As a Production Manager , you will oversee and coordinate operations across the CNC machining and turning divison (5-axis including milling, turning, drilling, tapping, boring) . You’ll ensure seamless workflow, resolve operational issues, and uphold Caterpillar’s commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This position requires strong leadership to manage a team of 20–25 unionized production employees while driving efficiency and fostering a collaborative culture.

Requirements

2+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
Hands-on experience with heavy earth-moving equipment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with working knowledge of Power BI and SAP.
Prior experience in a unionized facility.
Broad exposure to CNC machining and turning operations (5-axis preferred including milling, turning, drilling, tapping, boring.) operations.
Background in heavy manufacturing or quality engineering , with a desire to advance into a leadership role.
Manufacturing Safety: Knowledge of manufacturing safety; ability to identify work-related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site.
Quality Management: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques and ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.
Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Planning and Organizing: Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources; ability to plan and organize both time and resources to get things completed while structuring and maintaining work in a systematic and highly methodical way.

Nice To Haves

An Associate, Technical Degree, or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

Create reports and records of production processes, tool issues, performance, and inventory; share insights with managers and provide actionable recommendations to improve safety, productivity, and quality.
Prepare, maintain, and update documentation related to operating procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards to ensure all processes and products meet desired standards.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives by managing improvement boards and maintaining accurate records.
Supervise daily activities of fabrication workers, assign tasks, ensure coordination between teams, monitor performance, and enforce safety protocols.