Automation and Controls Engineer

Career Area:

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.

Job Summary:    

The Automation and Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced manufacturing technologies that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance across the operation. In this role, you will help drive automation, controls engineering, digital manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 initiatives by leveraging connected systems, robotics, data analytics, and smart factory technologies to enhance operational performance and accelerate digital transformation.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Information Technology, and external partners, you will deliver innovative and scalable solutions that increase productivity, improve equipment reliability, and enable data-driven decision making. This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful automation projects, influence manufacturing strategy, and help shape the future of smart manufacturing.

What You Will Do:

• Design, develop, program, commission, and support manufacturing automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, machine vision, industrial networks, and motion control technologies.
• Lead automation, controls, and equipment modernization projects that improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex controls, software, network, and equipment issues to minimize downtime and optimize manufacturing performance.
• Drive Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives through machine connectivity, IIoT technologies, data integration, and advanced analytics.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and IT teams to integrate manufacturing systems with MES, ERP, cloud, and enterprise platforms.
• Lead automation and capital projects from concept through design, installation, commissioning, validation, and operational handoff, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety, electrical, cybersecurity, and engineering standards while providing technical guidance to manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions to improve equipment reliability, process stability, and manufacturing performance.
• Develop and maintain controls standards, electrical schematics, specifications, and technical documentation to ensure consistency and scalability across manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers, system integrators, and cross-functional teams while ensuring compliance with safety, electrical, cybersecurity, and engineering standards.

Education requirement:

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

What skills you will have:  

Problem Solving:

• Advanced knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies, including RCA, 5 Why, Fishbone, and FMEA.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex manufacturing, automation, and equipment performance issues using data-driven decision making.
• Experience interpreting system data, performance metrics, and operational trends to identify root causes and drive sustainable improvements.
• Proven ability to develop and implement corrective and preventive actions that improve equipment reliability and process performance.
• Advanced problem-solving skills with the ability to independently resolve complex operational and technical challenges.

Process Management:

• Knowledge of manufacturing process optimization techniques that improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost performance.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles to improve operational efficiency.
• Ability to monitor and interpret process performance metrics to support process stability and operational excellence.
• Familiarity with process validation, change management, and implementation of new manufacturing technologies.
• Understanding of process documentation, standard work, and best practice deployment to support consistency and scalability.

Project Management:

• Experience leading automation, controls, digital manufacturing, or capital projects from concept through implementation and operational handoff.
• Knowledge of project planning principles, including scope development, scheduling, resource coordination, budgeting, and risk management.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, contractors, equipment suppliers, and system integrators to achieve project objectives.
• Experience supporting project startup, commissioning, testing, validation, and performance verification activities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide project updates, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive project execution.

Technical Troubleshooting:

• Advanced knowledge of troubleshooting automation, controls, software, network, and equipment performance issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving complex PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, industrial network, and control system failures.
• Proven ability to analyze system logs, alarms, and performance data to restore equipment functionality and minimize downtime.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify, isolate, and resolve technical issues across integrated manufacturing systems.
• Experience providing technical leadership and support during equipment startup, commissioning, and operational issue resolution.

Top candidates will also have:

• Hands-on experience delivering Industry 4.0 or Smart Factory solutions in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience implementing MES, IIoT, manufacturing analytics, machine connectivity, or cloud-enabled manufacturing platforms.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for Operational Technology environments.
• Experience with industrial robotics, autonomous material handling, 2D/3D machine vision, bin picking, motion control, or AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.
• Experience developing electrical architectures, machine specifications, and controls standards for equipment builds and upgrades.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.

Additional Information:    

This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the Mapleton IL facility.

Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

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Summary Pay Range:

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:

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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