Automation & Controls Engineer

Caterpillar; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

HSA

FSAs

Career development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to focus on automation, controls, and heat treat equipment knowledge. The role involves hands-on troubleshooting on the manufacturing floor, mentoring, and developing expertise in industrial automation.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve reliability, performance, and safety. Training and career growth opportunities are provided in a highly automated environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation related field.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively across teams and levels.
• Willingness to work in AWS night shift with weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and support industrial automation and control systems.
• Improve equipment reliability, performance, and uptime.
• Support, develop, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related technologies.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement permanent solutions.
• Support equipment upgrades, capital projects, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges.

Skills

Accuracy & Detail

Effective Communications

Engineering - MFG

Problem Solving

Technical Troubleshooting

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology/Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC/HMI

FANUC robotics & automation

Industrial networking

Vision systems

VFDs & motion control

Process control & instrumentation

Job description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

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.

Role Definition

The Automation & Controls Engineer position will have a clear focus on automation and controls, then expand to develop deeper knowledge of Heat Treat equipment, processes, and overall system operation.

The selected candidate will be given training and mentoring to support successful development. Both experienced professionals and early‑career candidates will be considered for this opportunity.

Much of this position's work day will be spent on the manufacturing floor using machine logic, electrical drawings, diagnostic software, equipment data, and hands‑on troubleshooting.

What you will do

• Troubleshoot and support industrial automation and control systems.
• Improve equipment reliability, performance, and uptime.
• Support, develop, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related technologies.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement permanent solutions.
• Support equipment upgrades, capital projects, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges.
• Develop expertise in industrial automation, controls, and manufacturing systems.
• Build troubleshooting skills while working alongside experienced technical professionals.
• Support equipment reliability, performance, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Contribute to projects that have a direct impact on safety, quality, and production.
• Grow your technical knowledge and advance your career in a highly automated manufacturing environment.
• Training, mentoring, and hands‑on development will be provided to help the successful candidate build technical expertise and grow within the role.

Technologies You will Learn and Support

• Allen‑Bradley PLC and HMI platforms
• FANUC robotics and automation systems
• Industrial networking and communications systems
• Vision systems and inspection technologies
• Variable frequency drives and motion control systems
• Process control and instrumentation systems

Degree Requirement

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Technology, Automation Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology or equivalent experience desired.

What you must have

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Engineering - MFG: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
• 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.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.

Top candidates will also have

• Technical education, training, or experience in engineering, automation, controls, electrical systems, robotics, industrial maintenance, or a related field.
• Strong technical aptitude, curiosity, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies and troubleshoot complex equipment.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of teams.
• Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment and support a rotating AWS night shift schedule, including assigned weekends and holidays.
• Strong technical depth in one or more industrial automation platforms, combined with the ability to troubleshoot and learn unfamiliar systems, is more important. Experience with every system is not required.

Work Schedule and Environment

• Alternate Work Schedule (AWS) - Night Shift (6:00 PM - 6:00 AM)
• Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday
• Repeating two‑week schedule
• Includes assigned weekends and holidays
• Overtime opportunities available for additional shifts worked
• Primarily based in an active manufacturing environment
• Regular hands‑on troubleshooting on the production floor

Additional Information

• This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 11/11/2026.
• This position will be located onsite in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
• Relocation (domestic) assistance is available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available.
• This position may require less than 10% travel

Final details

#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

October 28, 2026 - November 11, 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.