Manager Manufacturing Engineering

In this role you will lead the Manufacturing Engineering team at Caterpillar’s Kiel facility, guiding tooling, process design, and equipment decisions to deliver efficient, cost-conscious production. You will empower engineers and operators to sustain plant operations and drive continuous improvement. You will champion tool design, layout planning, cost estimation, and production release, shaping the future manufacturing footprint with innovative technologies and best practices. You will partner across functions to implement sustainable, scalable manufacturing solutions with a strong emphasis on safety and environmental compliance.

• 30 days of vacation
• Company pension plan
• Bicycle leasing / job ticket / wellbeing allowance

• Lead a team supporting operations and manufacturing processes, including tooling, tool design, and equipment to produce parts and products efficiently and cost-effectively
• Oversee the Manufacturing Engineering team, coaching and empowering employees to support plant operations and continuous improvement
• Lead activities related to tool design, assembly and manufacturing processes, cost estimation, systems planning, plant layout, standards, and production release
• Identify operational challenges, analyze performance trends, and implement sustainable improvements through structured problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration
• Drive operational improvements through data analysis with Production, Engineering, Management and other stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions
• Manage development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating methods, equipment, systems, and infrastructure
• Lead installation of new machinery and equipment and process changes to enable efficient, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing and assembly operations
• Provide technical expertise across all aspects of production with focus on cost efficiency, safety, and environmental requirements
• Shape the future manufacturing footprint by introducing innovative technologies, automation, and operational best practices
• Take ownership of change and transformation, building sustainable processes and structures for operational excellence and growth

• Manufacturing Equipment: knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and logistics equipment; ability to maintain and optimize systems
• Manufacturing Processes: understanding of methods, technologies, and production systems; ability to develop and improve processes
• Manufacturing Safety: knowledge of safety requirements and hazard identification
• Manufacturing Standards & Lean Manufacturing: knowledge of standards and Lean principles
• Manufacturing Experience: experience in manufacturing engineering, automation, or large-scale operations with transformation leadership
• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making: strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Leadership & Collaboration: leadership and stakeholder management skills; ability to develop teams
• Adaptability & Ownership: high ownership and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Degree or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Very good German (C1) and English (B2) skills

• Leadership
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Communication
• Manufacturing equipment maintenance and optimization
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Automation and production systems