Manager Manufacturing Engineering (Machining)

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.

Definition: Manages manufacturing engineering activities focused on machining processes, providing technical leadership to define, optimize, and sustain cost-effective CNC and conventional machining operations. Oversees process development, tooling and fixture strategies, machine capability, plant layouts, machine moves, and new equipment installations to ensure safe, efficient, high-quality, and repeatable production.

Developing and maintaining an effective manufacturing engineering organization capable of supporting machining operations, achieving business objectives, and driving technical excellence on the shop floor. Leading machining process engineering activities, including CNC programming support, process planning, routing, cycle time analysis, cost estimating, capacity planning, layout optimization, tooling, fixtures, gaging, checking equipment, and work standards. Managing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of machining methods, equipment, systems, and operating infrastructure to improve productivity, quality, safety, first-pass yield, and overall equipment effectiveness. Ensuring assigned facilities, machines, tooling, fixtures, and methods are available and capable of supporting authorized product programs, production schedules, and capacity requirements. Partnering with production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and product engineering teams to resolve machining issues, support new product introductions, improve manufacturability, reduce scrap, and optimize machining performance. Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field Fluent English Expert in machining processes Skills: Capacity Planning & Management Defines resource and capacity needs with R&D and operations teams. Develop forecasts across product lines, sites, and machining operations. Converts demand forecasts into production, cost, and capacity plans. Decision Making & Critical Thinking Evaluates data, assumptions, risks, and options to make informed decisions. Applies consultative, directive, or consensus-based approaches as needed. Supports teams in assessing alternatives and anticipating operational impact. Lean Manufacturing Promotes lean practices across machining and manufacturing operations. Improves work cell design, plant layout, material flow, and process efficiency. Coaches’ teams on lean tools, performance metrics, and continuous improvement. Manufacturing Equipment Assesses, selects, and implements equipment and infrastructure improvements. Tracks machine performance, maintenance history, upgrades, and operating conditions. Ensure teams are trained to operate equipment safely and effectively. Manufacturing Processes Creates and standardizes best practices for machining and manufacturing processes. Assesses new technologies, methods, and process improvement opportunities. Optimize processes based on product needs, quality, cost, and capability. Performance Management Establishes clear goals, provides feedback, and recognizes results. Identifies performance gaps and defines improvement actions. Aligns objectives with team priorities while supporting employee development. Problem Solving Leads structured problem-solving for high-impact manufacturing issues. Uses data and cross-functional collaboration to identify root causes and solutions. Captures lessons learned to prevent recurrence and strengthen performance. Top Candidates