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.”

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