Operations Automation Engineer - Fabrication

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Operations Automation Engineer, where your expertise in robotic and manual welding will drive innovation in fabrication. This role involves supporting welding operations, ensuring quality and safety compliance, and collaborating with a team of skilled professionals. You'll have the opportunity to implement engineering changes and work with cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment. If you're passionate about automation and robotics, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a company that values progress and sustainability.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Employee Assistance Program

Incentive bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Mix of robotic welding and hands-on welding experience.
• Strong understanding of welding fundamentals and metallurgy.

Responsibilities

• Support manual and robotic welding operations.
• Coordinate new machines and process changes.
• Provide tooling and processes for manufacturing needs.

Skills

Robotic welding programming

Arc welding

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Quality management

Education

CWI certificate

Tools

ABB programming

Fanuc programming

Cloos programming

Microsoft O/S

Teamcenter

Creo

Job description

Operations Automation Engineer - Fabrication

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 Description:

As an Operations Automation Engineer - Fabrication you will provide support and guidance on all aspects of manual and robotic welding including costs, quality, compliance to safety guidelines, and environmental requirements. Ideal candidate has a mix of robotic welding and hands on welding experience, a sound understanding of welding fundamentals and theory, and a strong understanding / working knowledge of Microsoft O/S and related applications.

Basic Qualifications

• Robotic welding programming experience
• Considerable hands-on arc welding experience with a strong focus on heavy plate welding using the GMAW process and a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of welding, including processes and metallurgy
• Ability to successfully communicate and work with welders, welding operators, maintenance technicians, and engineers in training, troubleshooting, consulting, and research/development activities
• Analyze and deploy engineering changes through the creation and maintenance of standard work instructions
• Coordinates the introduction of new machines (NPI) and equipment and process changes to provide the most efficient and economical manufacture of quality parts in alignment with APQP
• Responsible for supporting the manufacturing operation by providing tooling, processes, equipment, etc. to provide for the needs of the shop operation. Assignments include tool design, manufacturing processing, cost estimating, systems planning, layout, standards, releasing, etc. and requires the coordination of all disciplines

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Programming experience with ABB, Fanuc and Cloos
• Offline programming experience
• A strong understanding / working knowledge of Microsoft O/S and related application
• Skilled in Teamcenter, Creo and other visualization software tools
• CWI certificate

What Skills You Will Have:

Project Administration:

• Under guidance, prepares status reports for client management.
• Documents initial plans and estimates for simple projects.
• Documents project meetings, particularly status reports on deliverables and next steps.
• Works with such functions as task splitting and project merging.

Quality Management:

• Utilizes quality indicators relevant to own unit or function.
• Adheres to organizational quality management processes and practices.
• Applies key aspects of continuous improvement processes and evaluates impact on quality.
• Uses quality evaluation tools and techniques such as walkthroughs and inspections.
• Works with quality assurance methods, tools and techniques.

Problem Solving:

• Ensures capture of lessons to be learned from a problem-solving effort.
• Organizes potential problem solvers and leads problem resolution efforts.
• Uses varying problem-solving approaches and techniques as appropriate.
• Contributes to standard practices for problem-solving approaches, tools, and processes.
• Analyzes and synthesizes information and devises alternative resolution strategies.
• Develops successful resolutions to critical or wide-impact problems.

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.
• 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

This position may require 5% travel

Sponsorship is not available

Summary Pay Range:

$95,640.00 - $143,520.00

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.

Job Description:

As an Operations Automation Engineer - Fabrication you will provide support and guidance on all aspects of manual and robotic welding including costs, quality, compliance to safety guidelines, and environmental requirements. Ideal candidate has a mix of robotic welding and hands on welding experience, a sound understanding of welding fundamentals and theory, and a strong understanding / working knowledge of Microsoft O/S and related applications.

Basic Qualifications

• Robotic welding programming experience
• Considerable hands-on arc welding experience with a strong focus on heavy plate welding using the GMAW process and a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of welding, including processes and metallurgy
• Ability to successfully communicate and work with welders, welding operators, maintenance technicians, and engineers in training, troubleshooting, consulting, and research/development activities
• Analyze and deploy engineering changes through the creation and maintenance of standard work instructions
• Coordinates the introduction of new machines (NPI) and equipment and process changes to provide the most efficient and economical manufacture of quality parts in alignment with APQP
• Responsible for supporting the manufacturing operation by providing tooling, processes, equipment, etc. to provide for the needs of the shop operation. Assignments include tool design, manufacturing processing, cost estimating, systems planning, layout, standards, releasing, etc. and requires the coordination of all disciplines

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Programming experience with ABB, Fanuc and Cloos
• Offline programming experience
• A strong understanding / working knowledge of Microsoft O/S and related application
• Skilled in Teamcenter, Creo and other visualization software tools
• CWI certificate

What Skills You Will Have:

Project Administration:

• Under guidance, prepares status reports for client management.
• Documents initial plans and estimates for simple projects.
• Utilizes desired project administration tools.
• Documents project meetings, particularly status reports on deliverables and next steps.
• Works with such functions as task splitting and project merging.

Quality Management:

• Utilizes quality indicators relevant to own unit or function.
• Adheres to organizational quality management processes and practices.
• Applies key aspects of continuous improvement processes and evaluates impact on quality.
• Uses quality evaluation tools and techniques such as walkthroughs and inspections.
• Works with quality assurance methods, tools and techniques.

Problem Solving:

• Ensures capture of lessons to be learned from a problem-solving effort.
• Organizes potential problem solvers and leads problem resolution efforts.
• Uses varying problem-solving approaches and techniques as appropriate.
• Contributes to standard practices for problem-solving approaches, tools, and processes.
• Analyzes and synthesizes information and devises alternative resolution strategies.
• Develops successful resolutions to critical or wide-impact problems.

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

This position may require 5% travel

Sponsorship is not 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:

May 6, 2025 - May 20, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.

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Since 1925, Caterpillar Inc. has been helping our customers build a better world – making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent.With 2020 sales and revenues of $41.7 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives.We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.