Career Area:
Strategy
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’s Mapleton Foundry is a critical part of the enterprise’s manufacturing footprint and a flagship location for operational excellence. We are seeking a Lean 6 Sigma Black Belt to lead our Lean and process‑improvement strategy, drive CPSA Value Stream Transformation, and develop high-performing teams that deliver world-class operational results.
This role is ideal for a passionate Lean leader who thrives on eliminating waste, building capability in others, and delivering measurable business improvements across safety, quality, velocity, and cost.
What You Will Do
Lead Operational Transformation
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and Caterpillar Production System principles.
Lead change-management initiatives that embed continuous improvement into the culture and daily management systems.
Drive the entire CPSA Value Stream Transformation, ensuring alignment with the RI Division Strategy and enterprise operational goals.
Own and Advance Process Excellence
Design, implement, and manage Six Sigma programs—including supporting tools, governance, and coaching structures.
Lead and manage a portfolio of Lean/Six Sigma projects that deliver measurable improvements in throughput, scrap reduction, takt attainment, safety, and other key KPIs.
Identify systemic improvement opportunities and collaborate across functions (operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain) to implement sustainable solutions.
Develop People & Build Capability
Serve as a mentor and coach to engineers, supervisors, and Green Belt professionals.
Provide technical training, hands-on guidance, and leadership needed to successfully execute Lean and Six Sigma projects.
Grow a strong pipeline of CI talent by teaching problem-solving, structured improvement methodologies, and data‑driven decision making.
Implement Robust Processes for Long-Term Success
Integrate Lean principles and Six Sigma methodology into daily operations, ensuring process stability and standardization.
Deploy visual management, standard work, Kaizen events, root‑cause analysis, and breakthrough improvement initiatives.
Partner with plant leadership to ensure all improvements are sustainable and linked to business objectives.
What skills you will have:
Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to lead transformational change and influence at all levels. Experience in a manufacturing environment, such as a foundry or heavy industry, is an asset. Experience in operations management, supply chain, process implementation or quality improvement.
Six Sigma Methodology: Strong background in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Knowledge of the concepts of Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) methodology; ability to use the methodology to improve the manufacturing processes and control the improvements by eliminating root causes.
Project Management: Proven success managing cross-functional projects with measurable impact.
Active Learning: Understanding the necessity for continuous personal growth and learning for purposes of performance effectiveness self-development.
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.
Influencing: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization. Passion for developing people and embedding a culture of operational excellence.
Interpersonal Relationships: Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
Problem Solving: Knowledge of principles, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems. Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems and prioritize initiatives.
Additional information:
This position requires the candidate to work full-time in Mapleton, IL.
Relocation is not available for this position.
This position will require up to 5% travel.
Sponsorship is not available.
Summary Pay Range:
$110,520.00 - $165,840.00
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
Posting Dates:
December 18, 2025 - January 6, 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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