Operations Automation Engineer

Caterpillar; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking an Operations Automation Engineer for their Decatur facility, focusing on designing and implementing automation solutions within a major manufacturing environment. Candidates should possess experience in robotics programming, project management, and ideally hold an engineering degree. This role plays a critical part in advancing manufacturing efficiency through technology.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer)

401(k) savings plans

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Health Lifestyle Programs

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robots programming and algorithms.
• Previous project management experience preferred.
• Experience working in manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate automation solutions for manufacturing.
• Lead major manufacturing projects using robotics and AI.
• Develop and execute testing procedures for quality control.

Skills

Programming of industrial robots

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Robotics knowledge

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you'rejoining 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'tjust 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.

At Caterpillar’s Decatur, IL facility, we manufacture and assemble Large Mining Equipment. As an Operations Automation Engineer, you will support multiple robotic and automated systems and leads projects for the operations management team. Assists in the design, development and troubleshooting of automated industrial systems.

What you will do:

• Design and integrate automation solutions by designing layouts, selecting equipment, and creating detailed specifications for new automated systems
• Leadership of major manufacturing projects, working with internal and external suppliers to develop automation solutions for our manufacturing processes using latest technologies in the field of Robotics, Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and 3D vision systems
• Writing PLC code, robot programming, and configuring software for automated systems using relevant industrial automation platforms.
• Responsible for developing test process, equipment’s and executing testing procedures to ensure the quality of products throughout the manufacturing process by analyzing production test data.
• Ensure proper calibration and functionality of automation equipment, performing routine maintenance as needed diagnosing if there is any malfunction
• Develop and utilizing data analysis tools to identify trends and optimize production processes.
• Build systems that collect, manage, and convert raw data into usable information and connect with cloud sources and prepare dashboard to interpret.
• Implementation of AGV/AMR/cobots and various sensor solutions

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Experience with industrial robots programming and algorithms
• Experience in developing a robot solution for manufacturing processes
• Previous project management experience preferred
• Experience working in manufacturing preferred
• Engineering degree preferred

What Skills You Will Have:

Software Product Technical Knowledge:
• Maintains and utilizes data related to install base configurations and environments.
• Solicits customer feedback; reports and monitors bugs and implementation issues.
• Participates in defining and conducting technical acceptance tests.
• Participates in creating technical requirements for software development and deployment.
• Explains basic environment and product configuration options.

Technical Troubleshooting:
• Emphasizes the business impact of failure and the criticality and timing of needed resolution so that problems can be avoided in the future.
• Creates trouble reports for all issues found and reviews solutions for completeness and correctness.
• Directs the resolution of communications problems in multi-vendor environments.
• Resolves a variety of hardware, software, and communications malfunctions.
• Coaches others on advanced diagnostic techniques and tools for unusual or performance-related problems.
• Facilitates the distribution of releases reports and correction packages to departments or clients.

Knowledge of Robotics:
• Implements robotic systems and processes according to established procedures and guidelines.
• Participates in the development of robotic systems and processes.
• Assists in troubleshooting and resolving issues with robotic systems and processes.
• Utilizes software tools to program and control robotic systems.
• Follows safety protocols and guidelines when working with robotic systems.

Industrial Automation/Automatic Control:
• Works with the basic operation and implementation of industrial automation systems or processes in a certain production line.
• Checks daily performance of industrial automation systems/processes, reports unusual situations.
• Regulates control loops, conditions and parameters of a specific industrial automation system or process.
• Adheres to related standards and procedures to implement and maintain industrial automation systems or processes.
• Helps debug malfunctions and failures of industrial automation systems or processes.

Robotics/Computer Controlled Machinery:
• Loads different programs and new instructions.
• Resolves common robotics problems.
• Works with simple robots performing manufacturing process sub-functions.
• Assesses tasks for automation potential; obtains information about alternative robotic solutions.
• Assists with analyzing space and cost requirements associated with robot usage.

Additional Information:

The primary location for this position is Decatur, IL

Domestic relocation assistance is available

Travel up to 10%

Visa sponsorship is available

Summary Pay Range:

$95,640.00 - $143,520.00

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

Posting Dates:

June 23, 2025 - July 6, 2025

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.

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