Automation & Controls Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•East Peoria, IL

1d•$81,370 - $122,060•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation & Controls Engineer will focus on automation and controls and develop deeper knowledge of heat-treat equipment, processes, and overall system operation. Training, mentoring, and hands-on development will be provided, and both experienced professionals and early-career candidates will be considered. Much of the workday is spent on the manufacturing floor using machine logic, electrical drawings, diagnostic software, equipment data, and hands-on troubleshooting. The role supports industrial automation and control systems, improves equipment reliability and performance, and contributes to upgrades, capital projects, and continuous improvement. The engineer collaborates with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams and develops expertise in manufacturing systems. The position is onsite in an active manufacturing environment in East Peoria, Illinois, with regular hands-on troubleshooting on the production floor. It follows an alternate night-shift schedule and may require less than 10% travel.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Technology, Automation Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology, or equivalent experience desired.
Accuracy and attention to detail, including completing tasks with precision.
Effective communication skills and the ability to transmit, receive, and interpret information appropriately.
Knowledge of engineering processes, techniques, and methods in a manufacturing environment.
Problem-solving knowledge and ability to apply problem-solving approaches to diverse situations.
Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques, and ability to resolve technical issues involving hardware, software, applications, or operations.
Willingness to work onsite in a manufacturing environment on the rotating alternate work schedule, including assigned weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Technical education, training, or experience in engineering, automation, controls, electrical systems, robotics, industrial maintenance, or a related field.
Strong technical aptitude, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to learn new technologies and troubleshoot complex equipment.
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of teams.
Strong technical depth in one or more industrial automation platforms and ability to troubleshoot and learn unfamiliar systems; experience with every system is not required.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot and support industrial automation and control systems.
Improve equipment reliability, performance, and uptime.
Support, develop, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related technologies.
Lead root-cause investigations and implement permanent solutions.
Support equipment upgrades, capital projects, and continuous-improvement efforts.
Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to solve technical challenges.
Develop expertise in industrial automation, controls, and manufacturing systems.
Build troubleshooting skills alongside experienced technical professionals.
Contribute to projects that affect safety, quality, and production.
Support equipment reliability, performance, and continuous-improvement efforts.