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Decatur Leadership Rotation Program

Caterpillar · Decatur, IL · $81,370–$122,060 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

The program rotates through quality, manufacturing engineering, supply chain and operations supervision. Which rotation excites you most, and which one worries you?

What they are checking: Whether they have thought honestly about their strengths and gaps across the rotations.

Tell me about a time you led people who had more experience than you.

What they are checking: Whether they can earn respect from experienced hourly workers, which a new supervisor in Decatur must do.

Tell me about a problem you solved using data.

What they are checking: Whether they use facts to find root causes, which every rotation in the program depends on.

The program is on-site in Decatur with about 10% travel. What draws you to working at a large manufacturing plant?

What they are checking: Whether they genuinely want a plant-floor career and will stay through the program.

Tell me about a time you had to learn something quickly in an unfamiliar area.

What they are checking: Whether they can ramp up fast, since each rotation drops them into a new function.

Tell me about a time you received hard feedback. What did you do with it?

What they are checking: Whether they are coachable, since the program is built around development and feedback.

What would you do

You're a new supervisor and a veteran operator ignores a safety rule. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can enforce safety firmly while respecting the person and keeping the team's trust.

A defect is found at the end of the line. How would you start figuring out where it came from?

What they are checking: Whether they think in terms of process and root cause rather than blaming a person.

How would you build trust with a team on 2nd shift that you only just met?

What they are checking: Whether they know trust comes from showing up, listening and following through.

About the work

What do you know about lean manufacturing, and where have you applied any of it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand basic continuous improvement tools they will use in operations and engineering roles.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Logistics 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. Job Description Decatur Leadership Rotation Program Location: Decatur, IL Work Type: On-site Domestic Relocation Assistance: Offered Domestic Travel: 10% Visa Sponsorship: Not Available Caterpillar hires top talent — and this program is all about developing the next generation of leaders for Caterpillar’s largest North American Manufacturing facility. The purpose of the program is to invest in you through training and development opportunities so that you may not only fulfill your personal career and development ambition, but provide excellent service to Caterpillar and especially, Caterpillar customers. You will gain a wealth of experience while in the development program in roles focused on quality, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, and operations supervision. The Decatur rotational program aims to offer a broad exposure to Caterpillar, presents diverse project responsibilities, engages you in global teams, provides cross-functional job experiences, and includes valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar leadership. The rotational program is a three-year rotational development program, consisting of three 1-year rotational assignments . Assignments are based on business needs and provide on-the-job learning with challenging deliverables. Upon completion of the program, graduates are placed in an assignment that continues to demand leadership excellence gained through the program as a first line operations supervisor. What You Have – Skills and Experiences In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences. Below are some of the most critical skills: • Decision making and critical thinking, problem solving, initiative, and adaptability • Leading and developing others • Ability to work with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities in a constructive and collaborative manner. • Fundamental understanding of manufacturing standards and safety • Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain and effectively apply new skills & knowledge • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Participate in and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment • Ensure all team member’s contributions are recognized and valued Program Qualifications • Completed degree from a university/college by the start of the program in a relevant field • Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding) • Program Start Dates: January & June 2027 Top Candidates May Also Have • 0-2 years of relevant manufacturing or supply chain/logistics experience, which may include internships or academic projects • Project or Team Leadership experience • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Ideal for those building foundational skills in manufacturing & supply chain, generally within the first 0-2 years of their career Additional Information: • Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application. • Relocation is available to those that qualify. • Sponsorship is NOT available for this position. • This position requires working onsite five days a week. Final details: Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Recent graduates should explore our direct hire positions at www.caterpillar.com/careers . For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media. Summary Pay Range: $81,370.00 - $122,060.00 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: September 30, 2026 - October 13, 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 .

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