[Skip to main content](#main-content)

[ OpenNash ](https://opennash.com/) / [Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [ 01 Search jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/search/)[ 02 Companies](https://jobs.opennash.com/explore/)[ 03 Hiring report](https://jobs.opennash.com/reports/hiring/)[ 04 AI assistants](https://jobs.opennash.com/connect/)[ 05 How it works](https://jobs.opennash.com/methodology/)

Caterpillar · Decatur, Illinois

# Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Manager

Decatur, Illinois Full-time Manager or lead $128,470.00 - $192,710.00 Manufacturing & Production 

Listed on Caterpillar’s official careers site. Posted November 6, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there.
[Apply on Caterpillar’s careers site →](https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers/job/Decatur-Illinois/Manufacturing-Engineering-and-Automation-Manager_R0000404320)

[OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Caterpillar](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/caterpillar/) / Manufacturing Engineering and Automation Manager

## Job 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 systems 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 all 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

### Required Skills

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 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

## At a glance
- Posted by the employer: Nov 6, 2026
- First seen by OpenNash: Nov 8, 2026
- Last checked: Nov 8, 2026
- Listed for: 2 days
- Location: Decatur, Illinois
- Employment type: Full-time
- Pay: $128,470.00 - $192,710.00[Apply on Caterpillar’s careers site →](https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers/job/Decatur-Illinois/Manufacturing-Engineering-and-Automation-Manager_R0000404320)

## Hiring at Caterpillar
- Open jobs: 1,026
- New in the last 7 days: After two weekly collections
- Tracked since: Jul 9, 2026

[All Caterpillar jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/caterpillar/) · [Weekly hiring report](/reports/hiring/)

## More jobs at Caterpillar

### [Production Assembler - Decatur, IL (2nd Shift)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/caterpillar/jobs/eb610dcdd523f4638493/)

Decatur, Illinois

### [Production Manager](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/caterpillar/jobs/f75048f80d4a90c6d081/)

Decatur, Illinois

### [Production Manager – Lower Power Train](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/caterpillar/jobs/dc3a3035df4d16cb9a06/)

Decatur, Illinois

### [Supply Chain Planning Manager](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/caterpillar/jobs/f49638b351344d7695c6/)

Decatur, Illinois

## Similar jobs at other companies

### [Manufacturing Automation Engineer - Mid-Career - Level 3](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/lockheed-martin/jobs/700f34ac199a73d70a1d/)

Lockheed Martin · Moorestown, NJ

### [Manufacturing Automation Technician, 7am - 7pm](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/sanmina-sci/jobs/a535b3bd832e40e1b851/)

Sanmina-SCI · Amery, WI, US

### [Manufacturing Automation Technician, 7am - 7pm](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/sanmina-sci/jobs/86133720d5f4b6a713fc/)

Sanmina-SCI · Menomonie, WI, US

### [Process Automation Engineer III, Manufacturing Engineering](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/thermo-fisher-scientific/jobs/103a8f34421ce04bc9f5/)

Thermo Fisher Scientific · St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America

### [Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Controls & Automation](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/ge-healthcare-technologies/jobs/597553159915d8c571a7/)

GE HealthCare Technologies · West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America

[Manufacturing & Production jobs](/functions/manufacturing-production/)

OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications.
Dates come from the employer where stated; “first seen” and “last checked” are our own observations.

[ OpenNash ](https://opennash.com/)

AI-native services firm that builds custom software and 24/7 AI agents.

OpenNash Jobs is an OpenNash Applied AI project.
[Book time with OpenNash](https://calendly.com/opennash/new-meeting?hide_gdpr_banner=1)

Jobs
- [Search jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/search/)
- [Companies](https://jobs.opennash.com/explore/)
- [Hiring report](https://jobs.opennash.com/reports/hiring/)
- [AI assistants](https://jobs.opennash.com/connect/)
- [How it works](https://jobs.opennash.com/methodology/)

OpenNash
- [opennash.com](https://opennash.com/)
- [Services](https://opennash.com/ai-agent-consulting/)
- [OpenNash CX](https://opennash.com/cx/)
- [AI Tools](https://opennash.com/ai-tools/)
- [Blog](https://opennash.com/blog/)
- [About](https://opennash.com/about/)

Contact
- [hello@opennash.com](mailto:hello@opennash.com)

- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/opennash)

- [Support](https://jobs.opennash.com/support/)

- [Privacy](https://jobs.opennash.com/privacy/)

- [Terms](https://jobs.opennash.com/terms/)

© 2026 OpenNash, Inc. Company names and public job postings belong to their respective owners. Employers control source availability and application decisions.