Director of Manufacturing Engineering – Sanford Advanced Manufacturing

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. Caterpillar is developing a new advanced manufacturing campus in Sanford, North Carolina, to expand production capacity for compact track loaders and telehandlers. The modern, technology-enabled operation is expected to incorporate automation, robotics, digital production systems and integrated logistics capabilities to enhance safety, quality and operational performance. Employees will help build the products our customers rely on while developing skills in advanced manufacturing and supporting the continued growth of Caterpillar’s Cat Compact℠ business. Job Summary Caterpillar is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead manufacturing engineering strategy for a new advanced manufacturing operation in Sanford, North Carolina. This role is central to building a new facility from the ground up. You will shape the factory’s digital, automated and connected manufacturing capabilities during startup with leadership for the systems, organization, technical standards and operating discipline needed for long-term success. You will lead from facility development and equipment commissioning through production ramp-up, go-live and stable operations. Working across operations, product engineering, quality, supply chain, facilities, safety, information technology and external partners, you will create scalable manufacturing capabilities. A significant part of this assignment will focus on smart manufacturing, including automation, connected equipment, manufacturing execution systems, digital work processes, real-time performance data and advanced material movement. The role requires a leader who can connect manufacturing engineering, operations and technology decisions into one practical operating model. A core objective of the role will be to transform traditional manufacturing processes with longer build cycles into a faster, more responsive operating model. This leader will use automation, connected systems, advanced material flow and process redesign to reduce end-to-end build time while maintaining safety, quality and process control. What You Will Do Lead manufacturing engineering for a new advanced manufacturing facility development through go-live. Lead the deployment of smart manufacturing capabilities and digital manufacturing standards, including robotics, industrial automation, connected equipment, digital work instructions, manufacturing execution systems, smart factory platforms, automated inspection, data visibility and advanced material movement solutions. Lead the transition from traditional production cycles to shorter build times by identifying constraints, redesigning manufacturing processes and deploying automation, connected equipment and advanced material-flow solutions. Direct equipment design reviews, supplier technical reviews, installation planning, equipment acceptance, process qualification, startup issue resolution and complex engineering project execution. Establish and execute the manufacturing engineering strategy, including production processes, plant layout, material flow, tooling, equipment, automation, machine connectivity, digital manufacturing systems and technical support infrastructure. Develop and manage an integrated manufacturing-readiness plan covering facility requirements, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, process validation, workforce readiness and production launch. Build and develop an inclusive, high-performing ma…

View the full posting and apply