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.
About LPSD
The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufactures large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide.
LPSD teams work across regions and function to deliver safe, reliable and compliant solutions that help solve our customers’ toughest challenges.
About LEC (Lafayette Engine Center)
The Lafayette Engine Center (LEC) manufactures the Cat 3500, Cat 3600 and C175 engines helping Caterpillar become the world’s leading manufacturer of off-highway diesel and natural gas engines.
The units built at LEC power mining trucks carrying ore to be processed, tugboats guiding ships to harbor, drill rigs tapping oil and gas reserves and generators bringing electricity to communities, hospitals and data centers
The Lafayette Engine center has two Senior Production Manager openings one 2nd shift and one 3rd shift. In this role, you will be responsible for leading shift operations for multiple value streams in a manufacturing environment to ensure the safe maximization of efficiency in quality, velocity and cost. This position initiates corrective actions and communications to overcome impediments causing delays.
What you will do:
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Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations/behaviors and ensure a safe and clean production environment within the Assembly Operation.
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Ensure processes are followed to meet quality standards. Monitors’ quality metrics and provides direction when necessary.
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Coordinate the effective operation of assigned areas of manufacturing to meet established schedules and production requirements while maintaining cost. Develops plans for efficient use of materials, machines and manpower to achieve manufacturing cost, quality and inventory management target during shift.
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Ensure proper direction and supervision of activities on assigned shift to maintain effective utilization of personnel and machinery. Ability to quickly diagnose complex problems and reprioritize facility resources in a dynamic environment is essential.
- Initiate and conduct process improvement dialogs with Section Managers, Team Leads and Team Members. Drive root cause analysis and utilize ICA’s and PCA’s resolution on all forms of loss, i.e., safety, quality, production.
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Implement and support various corporate initiatives such as STOP-TO-FIX, BIQ, 5S, Lean Manufacturing, 6 Sigma, Internal Certification, etc.
- Promote development of people through continued education, employee involvement, increased responsibility, and ergonomics. Train and mentor new supervisors on best practices for leading in a manufacturing environment. Sets goals and assist team in meeting quality goals/standards.
This position will be directly responsible for 2nd shift, Assembly Operations and will have indirect responsibility for other operations on this shift . Coordination of material, equipment, manpower and quality on the shift rests with this position as well as meeting customer schedule requirements. Work direction, problem solving and coordination with support departments across all shifts is a major responsibility.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant leadership experience OR Associate's degree and 4 years of relevant leadership experience OR 6 years of relevant leadership experience
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5+ years of interaction with assembly and/or machine shop operations, equipment and processes or support.
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Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills,
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Be able to communicate with others
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Strong communication skills
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Demonstrate teamwork and have the ability to work with a diverse group of employees and customers’
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Must be a self-starter and work with limited direction
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Must possess strong motivational skills, a high degree of self-initiative, and a strong customer focus
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Be proficient with Microsoft Office products
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Be willing to work outside of normal work hours including overtime and alternative shifts
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Must be willing to work across all buildings within the LEC campus
What will put you ahead:
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LEC Assembly Experience
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Prior 6 Sigma/Lean manufacturing experience.
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Strong communication skills
- Strong leadership and managerial skills
- Ability to direct a diverse team of people to ensure divisional goals are met.
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Change management and innovative critical thinking skills in a competitive large engine industry.
- Have a mechanical aptitude
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Masters degree from an accredited college or university
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Achieved a professional certification (ASQ, SME, etc.)
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Experience working within an extended value stream methodology with cross departmental collaboration amongst operations, quality, manufacturing engineering, design engineering, supply chain & maintenance
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Experience with 3500, 3600, and/or C175 Engines and component manufacturing or other assembly areas
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Experience in a management role in machine shop operations, assembly operations, or operations quality
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Candidates must attach a resume
What you will have:
Production Training: Knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for delivering formal and informal training on the safe and efficient operation of production machinery; ability to conduct effective formal and situation-specific training.
Level Extensive Knowledge:
- Conducts needs analysis to determine skill gaps or areas where training is needed.
- Develops training programs on the use of new or improved production machines.
- Directs staff on the set-up and operation of production machinery for custom or non-standard jobs.
- Evaluates the pros and cons of various training media and the value of each to the organization.
- Facilitates the training of employees on new equipment provided by equipment manufacturers.
Measures the value of the training program by gathering pre- and post-training performance metrics.
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Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Level Working Knowledge:
- Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives.
- Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder.
- Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information.
- Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution.
Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.
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Influencing: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.
Level Working Knowledge:
- Develops basic persuasive arguments.
- Discusses organizational culture around providing input on decisions.
- Uses active listening skills and probing techniques to surface opportunities to influence.
- Identifies who the decision makers are and how they receive information.
Regularly presents ideas or suggestions to associates in persuasive terms.
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Flexibility and Adaptability: Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.
Level Working Knowledge:
- Adjusts to new or changing assignments, processes, and people.
- Demonstrates willingness to listen to other opinions.
- Provides examples of shifting from task to task.
- Identifies and considers alternative approaches to situations or problems.
Accepts new or radical ideas with an open mind; avoids snap reactions.
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Performance Management: Knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance.
Level Extensive Knowledge:
- Gives continuing feedback, recognizes achievement, and recommends improvement.
- Participates in the salary planning and administration process.
- Defines and agrees upon performance goals and objectives with associates.
- Identifies performance problem areas early on and defines specific improvement activities.
- Adjusts and communicates performance objectives as necessary for team objectives.
Publicly shares accolades and recognizes and rewards top performers.
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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.
Level Working Knowledge:
- Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance.
- Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.
- Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns.
- Identifies the major forces, events, and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand.
Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.
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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.
Level Working Knowledge:
- Raises awareness of potential bottlenecks and disruptions to the schedule.
- Breaks tasks into manageable steps that can be incorporated into a personal work plan.
- Escalates concerns over competing or conflicting priorities.
- Monitors progress continuously and adjusts tactics for handling situations on a case by case basis.
Creates action plans that ensure the accomplishment of responsibilities.
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Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Level Extensive Knowledge:
- Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching.
- Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.
- Demonstrates both empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.
- Communicates well downward, upward, and outward.
- Employs appropriate methods of persuasion when soliciting agreement.
- Maintains focus on the topic at hand.
This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $169,060.00
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
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
July 28, 2026 - August 10, 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.
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