Manufacturing Controls Engineer - PLC

Caterpillar; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an experienced engineer to define software requirements and own PLC/HMI software for CPI, NPI, and aftermarket demand.

You will serve as the technical expert across PLC/HMI technologies, from implementation through release, coordinating with cross-functional teams. The role requires strong data-driven problem solving, project management skills, and at least 8 years in PLC/HMI software development, with experience in Siemens and Allen Bradley ecosystems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of PLC/HMI software development, design, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience in Siemens Step 7 and Siemens WinCC program.
• Prior off-highway machine/mining experience.
• Allen Bradley PLC5 / Factory Talk Experience.
• Experience in Matlab Simulink / C / C++ program.

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot software per requirements.
• Write structured and well-documented requirements.
• Develop a test plan for software.
• Test/validate software on the bench and on the machine.
• Support cross-functional teams on Logic Controller (PLC) / Human Machine Interface (HMI) related topics.
• Plan and manage deliverables to ensure project timelines are met.
• Guide and collaborate with other programmers.

Skills

PLC/HMI

Siemens Step 7

Siemens WinCC

Allen Bradley PLC5

Matlab Simulink

C/C++ programming

Field service

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

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.

Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself

Role Definition

This position will work with a cross-functional team to define software requirements to support Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), New Product Introduction (NPI), and aftermarket demand. The individual will have end-to-end responsibility of Electric Rope Shovel software from implementation to releasing and will be the technical expert in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)/Human Machine Interface (HMI)/technology software .

What you will do

• Program and troubleshoot software per requirements.
• Write structured and well-documented requirements.
• Develop a test plan for software.
• Test/validate software on the bench and on the machine.
• Support cross-functional teams on Logic Controller (PLC) / Human Machine Interface (HMI) related topics.
• Plan and manage deliverables to ensure project timelines are met.
• Guide and collaborate with other programmers.

Degree Requirement

Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum or equivalent experience desired.

What you must have (skills)

• Data Gathering & Analysis : Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.
• Industrial Automation/Automatic Control : Knowledge of various industrial automatic control systems, processes and methodologies in a manufacturing environment; ability to design, implement and maintain automatic production systems/processes to improve productivity and efficiency, as well as minimize human intervention.
• 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.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
• Quality Management : Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques and ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.
• Robotics/Computer Controlled Machinery : Knowledge of robotics technologies and computer controlled machinery; ability to implement and operate robotics and computer controlled machinery in an automated manufacturing environment.
• Technical Troubleshooting : Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) : Knowledge of techniques and processes of robotic process automation (RPA); ability to develop and deploy RPA solutions in various industries.

Top candidates will also have

• 8+ years of PLC/HMI software development, design, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience in Siemens Step 7 and Siemens WinCC program.
• Prior off-highway machine/mining experience.
• Allen Bradley PLC5 / Factory Talk Experience.
• Experience in Matlab Simulink / C / C++ program.
• Field service experience.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience in the hydraulic system.
• Experience with manufacturing support activities.
• Prior experience working within new product development program, continuous product improvement program, and/or aftermarket sale.
• Ability to multitask and adjust to changing priorities as needs arise.

Additional Information

This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 09/04/2026.

This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).

Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position.

Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

This position may require less than 10% travel.

Final details

#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market loc