
Black Belt
Caterpillar · Morton, IL
- Level
- Black Belt
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Base pay
- $113k–$169k
- Travel
- 10%
- Degree
- Required
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Today
The role in 30 seconds
A senior continuous improvement role at Caterpillar (industrial) in Morton, IL. You will be responsible for leading, managing, and supporting projects related to process and product improvements using Lean, Six Sigma and project management methodologies to achieve business goals.
- They ask for
- degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, Kaizen, Value stream mapping
- Base pay
- $113k–$169k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage · about 10% travel · relocation help
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Continuous Improvement roles in Illinois: typical posted base $120k–$171k. This one lists $113k–$169k.
Median of the low and high ends of 12 live postings that list pay, out of 15 continuous improvement openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 14 other live lean / ci postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- In line with similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $113k–$162k, from 7 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 10+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 93%
- ✓ Six Sigma 73%
- ✓ Kaizen 73%
- ✓ Root cause 60%
- ✓ Black Belt 53%
- ✓ Value stream mapping 40%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Lean / CI team at Caterpillar
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
- Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Caterpillar in Morton
2 other open roles at this site.
- Facilities Engineer · Reliability
- Industrial Electrician 2nd and 3rd Shift ] · Reliability · Technician
Full description from CaterpillarAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
What You Will Do
- ◆Utilize Six Sigma and Lean principles, including supporting systems and tools, for quality and business process improvement.
- ◆Lead and manage Six Sigma project portfolios to achieve measurable business process improvements.
- ◆Provide technical training and guidance for Green Belt professionals on the planning, development and implementation of Six Sigma projects.
- ◆Lead, coach, teach and develop others to use LEAN tools and methodologies to drive sustainable continuous improvement.
- ◆Plan and execute Rapid Improvement Workshops (RIWs) and Kaizen events.
What You Have (Basic Requirements)
- ✓Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree
- ✓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.
- ✓Interpersonal Relationships: Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
- ✓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.
- ✓Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintains focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.
- ✓Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team who care not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers and future work 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.
Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics and Global Services supporting Caterpillar dealers and customers. Our teams work together in critical areas that leverage digital capabilities, technology and operational excellence.
As a Lean 6 Sigma Black Belt, you will be responsible for leading, managing, and supporting projects related to process and product improvements using Lean, Six Sigma and project management methodologies to achieve business goals.
Additional Information
- •Location: Morton, IL (United States)
- •Required Travel: Less than 10% (Domestic)
- •Relocation Assistance Offered: None
- •US Work Sponsorship Offered: None
- •This role is 1st shift, Monday – Friday. This role will require the candidate to flex their schedule across shifts (as needed).
- •This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules.
What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have)
- •Lean or Six Sigma experience (or willingness to complete training)
- •Background in supply chain, logistics, or warehousing
- •Strong communication skills across all levels, with the ability to create and execute communication plans
- •Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- •Strong analytical skills; comfortable using data and tools to drive insights
- •Effective facilitation and presentation skills, especially for leading workshops
- •Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
What You Will Get
Through it all, we are one team – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience .
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
#LI
#BI
Summary Pay Range
$112,710.00 - $169,060.00
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)*
