2011 Leader Under 40: Matthew L. Hilgendorf, 28
Chief Metrologist, Caterpillar Inc.
Plant Engineering Staff
Matthew L. Hilgendorf, 28 
Chief Metrologist, Caterpillar Inc.
Years at Caterpillar Inc.: 5
Supervisor: Nate McPherson
Education: BS Manufacturing Engineering, Kettering University; BS Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University; MS (in-process) Engineering Professional Practice, University of Wisconsin Madison
Matthew’s contributions: “Matt is one of our highest potential future leaders, and his technical capabilities are beyond comparison in our division. Matt has demonstrated the ability to work with design, technical services, and manufacturing groups effectively as well as raise the level of performance in each of those areas. He is responsible for programming, gauging, and torque for the business unit. This role enabled Matt to learn more about budgeting, capital approval, and people leadership. It has been my pleasure to watch Matt take his technical abilities and use them to develop an entire team and raise their performance to new levels.”
Why a career in manufacturing? “I chose a career in manufacturing because it was the only field that allowed me to live my passion of problem solving, working with my hands, and being challenged intellectually. I thrive in manufacturing because every day brings a new set of challenges. Where else can you engage in deep engineering calculations and stand inside a machine while troubleshooting all at the same time? The job satisfaction that comes from being part of the multidisciplinary team that draws the component, selects the processes to manufacture and assemble it, measures it for conformance, and adjusts the process is incredible.”
Return to the complete list of the 2011 Leaders Under 40.
Case Study Database
Get more exposure for your case study by uploading it to the Plant Engineering case study database, where end-users can identify relevant solutions and explore what the experts are doing to effectively implement a variety of technology and productivity related projects.
These case studies provide examples of how knowledgeable solution providers have used technology, processes and people to create effective and successful implementations in real-world situations. Case studies can be completed by filling out a simple online form where you can outline the project title, abstract, and full story in 1500 words or less; upload photos, videos and a logo.
Click here to visit the Case Study Database and upload your case study.
2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.