Automation & Controls Engineer - Critical Power Systems (Remote)

Caterpillar Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to design, program, test, and commission PLC-based generator paralleling control systems for power generation projects.

You will work on retrofit and new-system deployments, collaborating with dealers, factories, and CAD teams to deliver robust automation solutions. The role emphasizes hands-on engineering with PLC/HMI development, system commissioning, and field support, requiring strong electrical knowledge and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent experience.
• Experience with automation and controls, including PLC-based systems and HMIs.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience with degree, or 4 years without a degree.

Responsibilities

• Identify retrofit opportunities, define project scope, and support proposal development with Dealer and Factory teams.
• Execute design, programming, testing, and commissioning of low- and medium-voltage generator paralleling control systems.
• Convert legacy PLC programs to current platforms and validate performance.
• Develop and modify PLC and HMI applications using standard templates.
• Partner with CAD designers to produce wiring and assembly drawings.
• Provide technical support to Sales and Product Support Center teams, including escalation support.
• Train and support technicians, customers, and internal teams on maintenance and system operation as needed.

Skills

Customer focus

Service excellence

Technical excellence

Education

BSEE or BSEET or equivalent

Tools

Modicon/Schneider

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Siemens

GE

Job description

Career Area: Product Support

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:

Join Caterpillar's Electric Power Division supporting the design, development, and implementation of generator control switchgear systems. In this role, you will deliver automation and control solutions for complex power systems, working both independently and collaboratively to execute retrofit and new system projects from concept through commissioning.

What You Will Do:

• Identify retrofit opportunities, define project scope, and support proposal development with Dealer and Factory teams
• Execute design, programming, testing, and commissioning of low- and medium-voltage generator paralleling control systems
• Convert legacy PLC programs to current platforms and validate performance
• Develop and modify PLC and HMI applications using standard templates
• Partner with CAD designers to produce wiring and assembly drawings
• Perform technical risk assessment and support field performance of assigned projects
• Provide technical support to AES Sales and Product Support Center teams, including escalation support
• Submit project documentation, reports, and expenses in a timely manner
• Train and support technicians, customers, and internal teams on maintenance, troubleshooting, and system operation as needed

Degree Requirement

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) preferred, or equivalent relevant experience

What You Will Have:

• Customer Focus: Working knowledge of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and ability to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.
• Service Excellence: Working knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
• Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience working cross-functionally with engineers, contractors, consultants, and end users
• Experience with automation and controls, including PLC-based systems, HMIs, and distributed control systems
• Basic power knowledge and ability to read electrical schematics and blueprints
• PLC experience with one or more: Modicon/Schneider, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or GE
• Minimum 2 years of related experience with degree, or 4 years of equivalent experience without a degree
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet background, drug, and medical requirements

What Will Put You Ahead:

• Knowledge of power systems, including switchgear, ATS, and generator systems
• HMI experience (e.g., Rockwell FactoryTalk, Siemens, Vijeo, iFix, Wonderware)

Additional Information:

• Remote (U.S.-based) with a travel requirement of 35-50%