Manufacturing Controls Engineer | IIoT, PLC & Automation

Caterpillar Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL is seeking a Manufacturing Controls Engineer to design and improve production equipment, lead automation projects, and strengthen shop-floor capability across safety, quality, and cost.

You will collaborate with manufacturing and quality engineering, implement IIoT and PLC solutions, and guide suppliers to boost reliability and performance. This role requires hands‑on expertise in complex systems and a proven track record of delivering measurable improvements.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of API integration.
• IIoT deployment and leadership.
• Siemens and Allen-Bradley software skills.
• Knowledge of embedded AI technologies.
• Experience with Robotics (Fanuc, ABB, Kuka, Cloos).
• Degree or equivalent experience desired.

Responsibilities

• Defines software and hardware requirements to control and enhance production equipment and processes in collaboration with manufacturing and quality engineering.
• Selects and leads the implementation of new control devices and sensors into IIoT platforms and manufacturing execution systems.
• Creates, troubleshoots, and modifies PLC programming and ladder logic of production equipment to optimize manufacturing performance.
• Leads and supports automation projects with complex systems designs and integrated controls software.
• Monitors advanced equipment performance and process reliability; applies mature problem‑solving skills to improve consistency and repeatability.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance in major manufacturing projects, working with internal/external suppliers to support/improve manufacturing productivity and cost effectiveness.

Skills

API integration

IIoT deployment

Robotics

Embedded AI

RPA

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL is seeking a Manufacturing Controls Engineer to design and improve production equipment, lead automation projects, and strengthen shop-floor capability across safety, quality, and cost.

You will collaborate with manufacturing and quality engineering, implement IIoT and PLC solutions, and guide suppliers to boost reliability and performance. This role requires hands‑on expertise in complex systems and a proven track record of delivering measurable improvements.