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Manager Production

Caterpillar · Mapleton, IL · $97,530–$146,290 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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

Tell me about a time you improved safety, quality or delivery on a production line.

What they are checking: Whether they can show measured results tied to SPQVC-type priorities.

Tell me about a time you had to address an attendance or performance problem with an hourly employee.

What they are checking: Whether they handle discipline fairly, consistently and with respect.

Tell me about a time you got buy-in from experienced workers on a change they didn't like.

What they are checking: Whether they involve people in change and earn trust rather than forcing it.

How do you develop team leads and technicians for bigger roles?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in their people's growth, not just daily output.

What would you do

You'd lead up to 30 machining, assembly and test technicians across three shifts at Fuel Systems Operations in Pontiac. How would you stay connected with all three shifts?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan to lead people they will not see every day.

A test station keeps failing parts and output is falling behind. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they protect quality while working with engineering and maintenance to recover output.

How do you build a culture where technicians stop the line when something is wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they welcome problems being raised rather than punishing people for slowing output.

How do you handle a sudden staffing shortage on 3rd shift?

What they are checking: Whether they can adapt quickly with cross-training and planning instead of panic.

About the work

How do you manage a value stream budget and staffing plan?

What they are checking: Whether they understand labor, overtime and cost drivers in a production area.

What lean tools have you used to improve flow in machining or assembly?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on continuous improvement experience in a real plant.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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. Your Work Shapes the World Whether it is groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With 100 years of legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe. When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators, and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes, and infrastructure. Without a dedicated workforce, Caterpillar could not effectively meet our customers’ needs. Join us. The Mapleton Foundry is one of the largest in the United States and home to the largest core making machine in the world! Working at the foundry is hard work that demands focus and safety, quality, and commitment to helping our customers build a better world. With over 800 employees at the foundry, we are looking for someone who can support process development projects for the continuous improvement of safety, quality, velocity and cost of manufacturing. Role Description: Oversee and coordinate the activities of a more complex production line, prepares schedules, resolves issues, and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. What you will do: • Creating reports and records of production processes, tools issues performance, and inventory; sharing them with managers and providing suggestions to improve safety, productivity and quality. • Preparing, maintaining, and updating documentation related to operating procedures and safety and quality standards; ensuring all processes and products meet desired safety and quality standards. • Supervising and directing the daily activities of production lines workers, assigning tasks, ensuring coordination between different teams, ensuring their safety and monitoring their performance. • Training new hires, managing scheduling and work conflicts, monitoring safety, and promoting internal communication to create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Education and Experience Requirements: • Degree or equivalent experience desired Skills you will have: • Problem Solving: Working 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. • Data Gathering & Analysis: Working knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment. • Performance Management: Working 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. • Planning and Organizing: Working 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. • Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Working knowledge and understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision. Top candidates will possess: • Previous foundry experience • Previous assembly or production operations experience • Previous supervisory or leadership experience • High-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to effectively leverage spreadsheets to support production reporting and operational decision-making. • Engineering Additional Information: • This position is in Mapleton, IL • 1st shift day/hours are Monday- Friday 5:30AM -3PM • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position. • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Please ensure you frequently sign in to your candidate home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for. https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers . Keep a frequent check on emails as correspondence will be sent to the email that you used to apply with. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers Summary Pay Range: $97,530.00 - $146,290.00 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: October 2, 2026 - October 11, 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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